Clandestine Deals in the Country's Natural Resources
Fuelling Corruption in Zimbabwe
The arrogant and garrulous Zanu PF spokesman, Chris Mutsvangwa surprised many when he bragged at a Business conference at the Victoria Falls, that him and a few clever ones, where making big profits from investments at Manhize. He was mocking opposition politicians that they were busy calling for international sanctions against the Mnangagwa regime whilst he, Mutsvangwa and others are making easy money.
The truth of the matter is not many Zimbabweans know where Manhize is located let alone what business goes on there.
This alone raises many unanswered questions from who owns Manhize, what happens at Manhize and why it appears this is a secret place where only the privileged elite continue to loot and plunder the national resources without accountability.
My first question is who owns Manhize? From my limited knowledge on Manhize, it is a steel plant run by the Chinese Tsingshan Group. I understand this Group has various other projects in Zimbabwe where they have invested billions.
The cause for concern with Manhize is there seems to be really serious business going on there but without visible or tangible direct benefits to the impoverished nation let alone the locals.
This is where the many questions don't seem to get answers.
It would be assumed the Manhize operations are above board when it comes to compliance with state regulations like tax and labour laws. Fair enough. It would also be expected that such a Mammoth project would be so popular enough to eclipse the likes of the legendary Zisco when it comes to the provision of jobs in a country where over 90% of the population is unemployed.
So why is Manhize so concealed?
When the Zanu PF spokesman claims that they are making big profits at Manhize, who does he really refer to here? Could it be the Zimbabwean ‘government’ “regime” or those fat cats again who are notorious at stealing our minerals from the time of Chiyadzwa Diamonds? As always, one never gets answers to these questions. It was very interesting to note that Tendai Biti, a leader of the opposition was part of the panellists on the stage and he was so embarrassed by Mutsvangwa's remarks that he even failed to expose these secretive lucrative deals taking place in the mining sector.
If Manhize is such a big deal, obviously with government having a stake, why is it that the nation is not officially informed about the ongoings there?
After the Chiyadzwa fiasco, Zimbabweans can no longer tolerate further looting of our minerals.
I therefore call for an extensive and comprehensive audit of all the mining operations in Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa needs to be reminded that Land and all resources don't belong to him as a President. The land and all the resources on it are the Heritage of the people of Zimbabwe, both present and future. The President needs to fire all nonperforming ministers especially the Ministers of Roads and Road Traffic, Health and Mines.
The minerals must benefit "Vene" (the citizenry). like what is happening in Burkina Faso. There is need to forge smart partnerships where local people collaborate with foreign investors. This will go a long way in creating the much-needed jobs and the Gross Domestic Product.