via Dangote’s money too little, Tsvangirai – New Zimbabwe 13/09/2015
CHIVHU: Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s expected $400 million investment will not rescue Zimbabwe economy from the doldrums as the country needs close to $15 billion to actually implement a serious economic recovery programme, MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai has said.
He said this while addressing close to 3 000 party supporters who thronged the Nharira Business Centre in Chivhu, Mashonaland East province on Saturday to celebrate the party’s 16th anniversary.
Dangote visited Zimbabwe recently and pledged to inject close to $400 million into the ailing economy through investments in various sectors such as energy, construction and water.
But Tsvangirai said Dangote’s investment was a drop in the ocean as it cannot rescue the country’s battered economy.
“This country does not need $400 million but $15 billion to implement an actual economic turnaround programme,” said Tsvangirai.
He said although Dangote’s investment was welcome, the economy will not improve to expected levels as long President Robert Mugabe remains in power.
“Yes, if Dangote wants to bring his little monies to invest let him come but the truth of the matter is that the country’s economy cannot be rescued as long as Mugabe maintains his grip on power,” said Tsvangirai.
Tsvangirai said there was euphoria within Zanu PF when Dangote appeared to show some willingness to loosen the strings of his purse, saying they (Zanu PF people) came close to rewarding him with many wives.
“There was euphoria within Zanu PF about the issue of Dangote investment. They almost gave him many wives,” said Tsvangirai.
The MDC-T leader also dismissed the Friday cabinet reshuffle.
“We should change where things have gone bad. Changing the cabinet does not mean transformation,” he said.
Tsvangirai said there was nothing much President Mugabe can do to reverse the misfortunes of the country.
“Some people said I was boasting that I have the keys to unlock the economy. I am not the one with the keys. The keys are in the hands of someone who is locking and unlocking, locking and unlocking.
“That person is a major stumbling block to the transformation of the economy and our country,” said Tsvangirai.
Commenting on the solidarity speech which was delivered by former Zanu PF Hurungwe West MP Themba Mliswa, who made a surprise appearance at the celebrations, Tsvangirai said he was glad that the outspoken politician has finally seen the light.
In his speech, Mliswa said he has finally seen the light after he was harassed and detained for challenging Zanu PF candidate Keith Guzha during the June 1o by elections.
Mliswa who entered the race as an Independent candidate said his supporters were harassed and tortured by militias for supporting him.
“I would like to thank Themba Mliswa because he has finally seen the light. When we said Mugabe must go some people thought we were mad.
“We had long seen it that the governance style and culture of Mugabe and his Zanu PF was going to destroy this country,” said Tsvangirai.
He said people who confess and apologise for their wrongdoing were better off than those who die in denial.
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