Antony Chawagarira
CATHOLIC legislators have moved to bring the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Zimbabwe’s parliamentary agenda, with calls for lawmakers to ensure emerging technologies are deployed in ways that uphold human dignity and promote national development.
The initiative follows the Zimbabwean delegation’s participation at the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) meeting in August, where lawmakers examined the growing influence of AI on governance and society.
The meeting focused on “Human Dignity and Artificial Intelligence: Challenges, Chances and Control,” bringing into focus the need for policymakers to balance technological innovation with the protection of fundamental rights.
The proposed motion was discussed during a Mass held at Parliament, attended by Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Deputy President of the Senate Lt Gen (Rtd) M. Nyambuya and other Members of Parliament.
Fr Johannes Maseko celebrated the Mass.
Giving an account of the ICLN meeting, Chinhoyi legislator Hon Engineer Leslie Mhangwa outlined issues raised during the international gathering, particularly the opportunities presented by AI and the need for appropriate safeguards.
The planned parliamentary debate could provide a platform for Zimbabwe to consider how AI can support public administration, improve access to information, enhance efficiency and contribute to development while addressing ethical concerns associated with its use.
In his homily, Fr Maseko reminded legislators that political leadership was a vocation of service and urged them to place the interests of the people ahead of personal gain.
“Your vocation is a noble one. As you lead people in your constituencies, let your behaviour reflect the heart of God, and let your service contribute to building Jerusalem,” he said.
He challenged MPs to remain committed to Christian values and to demonstrate through their conduct that public office should be exercised as a responsibility to society.
“Do not put your trust in riches; embrace the Cross of Christ and allow your conduct in Parliament to show others that your vocation is different: a vocation called to serve and build the common good,” Fr Maseko said.
The question of responsible technological advancement was also highlighted in a message from Pope Leo XIV to members of the ICLN.
The Pope urged legislators to consider the broader consequences of technological development rather than focusing solely on what AI can achieve.
“The decisive question remains the same: Does technology help people to become more fraternal and responsible toward themselves and toward one another?” he said.
Pope Leo XIV urged lawmakers to guide technological innovation through appropriate legislation, rather than seeking to block progress.
“Your task is not to hinder innovation but to guide it wisely,” he said.
He further called for laws that promote scientific and technological creativity while safeguarding fundamental human rights and freedoms.
The message comes as countries worldwide grapple with questions around AI governance, including accountability, transparency, privacy, employment and the impact of automated decision-making.
For Zimbabwean legislators, the proposed motion could open a broader national conversation on the opportunities presented by AI and the safeguards required to ensure that its use benefits citizens.
The parliamentary initiative also comes against the backdrop of growing use of digital technologies in public and private sectors, creating a need for policies that keep pace with technological developments.
Meanwhile, Adv Mudenda used the gathering to reinforce the message of servant leadership, drawing on a quote attributed to Pope Francis.
“Rivers do not drink their own water, trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and the flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature,” he said.
He urged legislators to use their positions and abilities for the benefit of others, saying public leadership should ultimately translate into improved lives for the people.
“We are all born to help each other. Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you,” Adv Mudenda said.
The discussions have placed responsible AI use within a wider conversation on ethical leadership, with legislators expected to explore how Zimbabwe can embrace technological innovation while ensuring that human welfare remains at the centre of its development.
