MDC calls on GNU to reverse controversial Indigenisation Bill

By Violet Gonda
11 February 2010

A showdown is looming between ZANU PF and the MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai, over the passing of a controversial bill that requires all foreign investors to cede 51 percent of their investment to ‘indigenous’ people.

According to the gazette, the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment is meant to benefit ‘indigenous’ Zimbabweans who were disadvantaged before independence in 1980. But economists and the business community have castigated the move saying, like the shambolic land reform programme, the regulation will scare away much needed investors.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the MDC called upon the inclusive government to reverse all such destructive policies and withdraw the gazette in the national interest. The MDC did not mention how they are going to apply pressure to ZANU PF to do this. Ever since the inclusive government was formed in February last year ZANU PF has largely gotten away with making controversial decisions, in spite of the MDC constantly complaining about the former ruling party making unilateral decisions.

The Indigenisation bill was passed by the previous Parliament in 2008, when the former ZANU PF government had a majority. The MDC described the regulation as a ‘unilateral ZANU PF Bill’ which was clandestinely gazetted last week, in an attempt to undermine the country, which is in desperate need of investment.

“Minister Saviour Kasukuwere, whose Ministry is yet to explain how it illegally foisted 13 000 ZANU PF youths on the government payroll, has decided to railroad controversial, anti-investment regulations without the knowledge of Cabinet and the Head of Government, the Prime Minister,” read the statement.

“ZANU PF simply wants to create a new arena for looting and abuse. The so-called ‘indigenous people’ who are set to benefit from this criminal Bill are not the ordinary man and woman, but the well-connected elite and the ZANU PF chefs.”

We were not able to reach Minister Kasukuwere for comment.