via ZISCO saga: Mnangagwa’s grand promises | The Zimbabwean by Brenna Matendere
The Zanu (PF) government will take necessary steps to revive the ailing Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company, including paying $2 million of salaries owed to workers, said Emmerson Mnangagwa, the party’s Legal Affairs Secretary and outgoing Defence Minister. He made the promise at a conference organised by the Midlands Show Society recently. Mnangagwa is one of the top Zanu (PF) officials accused of plundering ZISCO.
He then allegedly stalled a deal brokered by outgoing Industry Minister Welshman Ncube that was supposed to see Essar Africa Holdings making a $750 million investment into the company.
“ZISCO is under utilised because of the inclusive government. All that is gone because Zanu (PF) had a sweeping victory (in the July 31 polls). We will now ensure that ZISCO is back on its feet. All the problems faced by ZISCO will soon be over. We have the means,” said Mnangagwa.
His statements are contrary to reports by Ncube that Zanu (PF) stalled the Essar deal through Mines Minister Obert Mpofu who refused to give up iron ore claims, forcing the Indians to renege on their investment.
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