Mugabe finally admits extreme poverty in Zimbabwe


For the first time ever, Robert Mugabe admitted on Thursday that Zimbabwe has a serious problem with poverty. Speaking at a function marking how well Zimbabwe is doing in meeting the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals by 2015, Mugabe said poverty levels in Zimbabwe have significantly increased in the last 10 years.
Surprisingly, the stubborn Mugabe was shown on state television making these historic comments, in which he clearly said "Eradication of extreme poverty and hunger remains a major challenge for Zimbabwe….”
The “United Nations' Millennium Development Goals by 2015” were set as a benchmark for nations to work towards eliminating poverty and disease. Lovemore Matombo, president of The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, said Robert Mugabe and his cabinet have always known that poverty is a serious problem in Zimbabwe. They get all the information and facts on the ground but they have been arrogant for 25 years and just could not admit the truth.
Matombo said he hopes this admission is a beginning, a sign that the government is now willing to work towards changing this situation. He believes what is needed now is social dialogue, and a coalition of all Zimbabweans to chat the way forward.