The consultations are being conducted by the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife, in collaboration with the Thematic Committee on Climate Change. Two parliamentary teams are traversing the country to ensure broad participation, reflecting Parliament’s commitment to inclusive, people-centred law-making, according to Honourable Samson Matema, who led the hearing in Chokombedzi on Tuesday.

“Climate change affects every Zimbabwean, and it is right that every voice is heard as this Bill takes shape,” said Hon. Matema. “The proposed law will give Zimbabwe a clear and enforceable framework to manage climate impacts while promoting sustainable development.”

Empowering Climate Governance Through Legislation

Hon. Matema invited Mr John Mazani, Principal Committee Clerk at the Parliament of Zimbabwe, to present a clause-by-clause overview of the Bill. Mr Mazani explained that the legislation seeks to empower the Climate Change Management Department to coordinate and enforce climate action across government, industry, and communities.

He said the Bill aims to align Zimbabwe with international climate obligations while protecting citizens, infrastructure, and the environment from worsening climate shocks. It emphasizes transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in climate decision-making.

Key Features of the Climate Change Management Bill 2025

Mr Mazani outlined several critical components of the Bill, including:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting low-carbon development.
• Building resilience to droughts, floods, heatwaves, and other climate threats.
• Ensuring a just transition that protects communities and vulnerable groups.
• Upholding the polluter-pays, equity, and climate justice principles.
• Establishing new climate governance institutions, such as:
  • Climate Change Management Department (national coordination).
  • Climate Transparency and Compliance Unit (monitoring emissions).
  • National Ozone Unit (protecting the ozone layer).
  • Loss and Damage Unit (tracking disaster impacts and mobilizing recovery).
  • Carbon Trading Unit—operating as the Zimbabwe Carbon Markets Authority (ZiCMA)—to regulate carbon trading and ensure community benefits.

The Bill also proposes a National Climate Fund, financed through climate levies, carbon taxes, tobacco levies, appropriations, donations, and grants, to support adaptation and mitigation projects nationwide. The Fund will help climate-proof local economies, support disaster recovery, finance clean energy, and advance green technologies.

Integrating Climate Action Across All Sectors

Mr Mazani stressed that the Bill makes climate action a legal obligation for all sectors. Ministries, government agencies, and private entities will be required to integrate climate risk management into their operations. Each public institution must designate a climate change focal officer, while local authorities will be empowered to enact by-laws addressing local climate risks like deforestation and land degradation.

He added that violations of climate regulations could attract fines or imprisonment, including liability for company directors who fail to comply.

“Public participation is central to the Bill,” Mazani said. “It ensures that government must consult citizens in developing climate policies and strategies.”

Voices from the Community

The hearings drew strong participation and passionate testimonies from community members.

Cllr Memory Maroka, Vice Chairperson of the Chiredzi Rural District Council, welcomed the consultations.

“Climate change is not a topic in a textbook here. It is our everyday life. Our fields are drying, rivers are disappearing, and our children are suffering. I came here because I want to be part of the solution,” she said.

She described how drought and land degradation have led to family separation and child-headed households, especially among vulnerable girls exposed to poverty and exploitation.

“If this Bill is passed and implemented, it must protect them,” she urged.

Mr Nyasha Manzunzu, Head of Chambuta Primary School, shared that climate change has disrupted education.

“When bridges are swept away by floods, learners stop coming to school. When droughts hit, they stay home to fetch water. Girls suffer the most. This Bill must protect education,” he said.

Local businessman Mr Daniel Majoka added that women bear the heaviest burden of climate impacts.

“When firewood runs out, women walk long distances. When crops fail, girls face child marriage and abuse. This law must bring real change,” he said, calling for the Bill to be translated into all 16 national languages for inclusivity.

Prince Thomas, Junior MP for Chiredzi South, emphasized youth impatience for climate action.

“We want this Bill finalised. Climate change is stealing our future. Those who destroy the environment must be punished,” he said.

Parliament Listening to the People

Senator Chief Chauke Feleni Chitanga of Masvingo said the hearings showed Parliament’s willingness to listen.

“People thought we had come to speak. No, we came to listen. We will take the people’s views forward,” he noted.

Senator Tambudzani Mohadi highlighted that the process reflects President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inclusivity mantra.

“Parliament must go to the people. Whatever law we pass must come from the people,” she said.

Senator Ottillia Muhlava added,

“Climate change has killed our animals and livelihoods. This Bill must empower communities with long-term solutions.”

As the meeting ended, Cllr Maroka expressed gratitude:

“We are a hard-to-reach community, but today Parliament came to us. Climate change is real, but knowledge is power. With this Bill, we can plan. We can protect our children. We can survive.”

The hearings will continue until 27 October 2025, after which Parliament will incorporate public submissions before the Bill is tabled for further debate in the National Assembly.