Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe delivers wrong speech in parliament
President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday, 15th September, 2015 read the wrong speech at the State opening of the third session of the 8th Parliament of Zimbabwe.
He repeated a speech he read during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) address last month on 25th August. 2015 word for word.
His spokesman told the state-run Herald paper the error was because of a mix-up in the president's secretarial office.
Tensions were high ahead of the speech and the state broadcaster cancelled its live feed fearing further disruptions.
At least six MPs from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) received a text message from a sender called "Death" warning them to behave. "Warning: Immunity ends in parliament... act wisely by not disturbing the proceedings of parliament," the message on opposition MP Nelson Chamisa's phone said.
After Mr Mugabe began speaking, it was not long before it dawned on those present that they had heard it before.
But during the speech, the MDC members sat quietly, while ruling Zanu-PF party supporters clapped at regular intervals.
The president made reference to the country amending labour laws to protect workers from arbitrary termination of employment, efforts being made to stimulate investment and the country registering modest growth in tourism and agriculture.
Presidential spokesman George Charamba said the error in delivering the wrong speech was "sincerely regretted". He added that the president would read the correct speech later at a hotel in the capital Harare.
He repeated a speech he read during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) address last month on 25th August. 2015 word for word.
His spokesman told the state-run Herald paper the error was because of a mix-up in the president's secretarial office.
Tensions were high ahead of the speech and the state broadcaster cancelled its live feed fearing further disruptions.
At least six MPs from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) received a text message from a sender called "Death" warning them to behave. "Warning: Immunity ends in parliament... act wisely by not disturbing the proceedings of parliament," the message on opposition MP Nelson Chamisa's phone said.
After Mr Mugabe began speaking, it was not long before it dawned on those present that they had heard it before.
But during the speech, the MDC members sat quietly, while ruling Zanu-PF party supporters clapped at regular intervals.
The president made reference to the country amending labour laws to protect workers from arbitrary termination of employment, efforts being made to stimulate investment and the country registering modest growth in tourism and agriculture.
Presidential spokesman George Charamba said the error in delivering the wrong speech was "sincerely regretted". He added that the president would read the correct speech later at a hotel in the capital Harare.