Section 299: Parliamentary oversight of State revenues and expenditure
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) Parliament must monitor and oversee expenditure by the State and all Commissions and institutions and agencies of government at every level, including statutory bodies, government- controlled entities, provincial and metropolitan councils and local authorities, in order to ensure thatโ
(a) all revenue is accounted for;
(b) all expenditure has been properly incurred; and
(c) any limits and conditions on appropriations have been observed.
(2) An Act of Parliament must provide mechanisms for Parliament to monitor and oversee expenditure referred to in subsection (1).
Insight: Parliamentary Financial Watchdog Function
This section establishes Parliament as the ultimate financial watchdog over all government entities in Zimbabwe. The significance lies in creating a clear chain of accountability that extends from national institutions down to local authorities. While the section mandates oversight, it cleverly delegates the specific monitoring mechanisms to separate legislation, allowing for more detailed and adaptable procedures without requiring constitutional amendments. This creates a two-tier system of financial governance - constitutional principles backed by legislative implementation.