Expectations high for Tendai Biti to deliver
Expectations are high for Tendai Biti, the new finance minister of Zimbabwe. The secretary-general of the MDC and chief negotiator of the power-sharing deal with Zanu-PF faces a collapsed economy.
Economist and former President of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Luxon Zembe, did not mince his words as he pointed out the herculean task ahead of the inclusive Government.
“Our expectations are high and we want to congratulate the political parties involved and the people of Zimbabwe for their resilience. We hope the parties will take the inclusive Government seriously, knowing well that our main expectation is peace and prosperity. We hope the parties will quickly get down to business to stimulate the economic activities, so as to create jobs and economic growth.
“The issue of corruption should also be addressed. Many people have been schooled to do things corruptly. These are the issues we are worried about,” Mr Zembe said.
Biti is widely considered to be one of the MDC’s toughest, most intelligent and outspoken critics of ZANU PF ‘s economic policies.
Last year he blamed Reserve Bank Governor,Gideon Gono for Zimbabwe’s economic woes. “Gono is the number one enemy of this country, not inflation,” Biti, said. “He has been stoking the fires of inflation through quasi-fiscal activities”
Biti described Gono as similar to an “Al-Qaeda” terrorist who should be put before a firing squad.”
But Jonathan Moyo, Tsholotsho independent MP and former Information Minister says Biti will not be as radical in government.
“I have heard there’s something about economics and finance that turns a radical into a conservative,” said Jonathan Moyo, Tsholotsho independent MP.
“He’s been a radical and I think we now expect him to become a conservative.”
Moyo warned that the skills of getting a party organised to win an election are different from getting a government to implement an economic turnaround.
“He’s lucky – it’s in the context of an inclusive government – so there will be less bickering and more support for him, if he puts his attention to the task at hand,” said Moyo.
“Biti has too much in his hands right now…trying to deliver economic stability while also handling the likely power struggle within the new government will be a huge task,” said Asher Tarivona-Mutsengi, a social commentator.
Inflation is currently estimated at at over 80 sextillion(1021)% (although it is impossible to calculate an accurate value) and the country has the lowest GDP real growth rate in an independent country.According to the University of Zimbabwe agricultural production has decreased by 51%.
The rest of the mainstream MDC’s cabinet line up is as follows:
1.Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs- Eric Matinenga
2. Finance- Tendai Biti
3. Economic Planning and Investment Promotion- Elton Mangoma
4. Energy and Power Development- Elias Mudzuri
5. Labour and Social Welfare- Paurina Mpariwa
6. Health and Child Welfare-Henry Madzorera
7. Water Resources Development and Management- Joel Gabhuza
8. Public Service-Eliphas Mukonoweshuro
9. State Enterprise and Parastatals- Samuel Sipepa Nkomo
10. Information Communication Technology-Nelson Chamisa
11. Social Amenities-Fidelis Mhashu
12. Public Works-Theresa Makone
13. Science and Technology Development- Heneri Dzinotyiwei
14. Home Affairs-Giles Mutsekwa
Deputy Ministers
Roy Bennet- Agriculture
Jessie Majome- Justice and Legal Affairs
Sesel Zvidzai- Local Government
Tichaona Mudzingwa- Defence
Samuel Sipepa Nkomo – Foreign Affairs
Posted by Wellington Chadehumbe
on February 14, 2009. Filed under Local News.
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