The new government of President Mnangagwa has not only run into a panic buying crisis, but also an alleged scandal of corrupt management of the US dollars everyone needs so desperately. It is alleged that the whole state has been captured by Sakunda Holdings owner Kuda Tagwirei. Sakunda Holdings has a private monopoly over fuel imports. The new Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube and the Reserve Bank Governor appear paralysed by the situation. Failed Presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa is hoping that Mnangagwa has lost the political initiative and will be forced to invite him into the government. So far that hasn’t happened, and perhaps it will never happen. But so far Chamisa has offered no solutions to the economic crisis either. Chamisa himself is struggling to maintain control over opposition politics, and faces growing demands for a properly constituted Congress to elect a new opposition leadership.
An important Mnangagwa initiative is the Commission of Inquiry into the August 1 shooting of civilians in Harare by elements of the Army. Led by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, the Commission held hearings in Bulawayo and Gweru that descended into violence and discord, with the military demanding immunity from prosecution before anyone gives evidence.
Mnangagwa is also faced with concerted pressure from war veterans to purge ZANU-PF party structures of former ministers.
Meanwhile wages for teachers aren’t going up, despite concerted demands from unions. Pretty soon, something will have to give.
Zimbabwe Information Centre, Australia
October 29, 2018
