SADC executive secretary expected in Harare to assess economy

By Tererai Karimakwenda
12 April, 2007

There are reports that Thomaz Salomao, the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), was expected in Harare late on Wednesday. His mission according is apparently to assess Zimbabwe’s economic situation, then propose changes that would help with recovery. But top economist John Robertson knew nothing of Salomao’s visit by Thursday afternoon, except for the media reports. He said the visit would be meaningless without political changes to support it. Zimbabweans who are struggling so hard on a daily basis need some sign that change is on the way.

Robertson explained that the best economic policies in the world could not function under the suffocating block of political policies that are currently in place in Zimbabwe. He said: “Confidence was one of the first casualties of the government’s policy decisions going back quite a few years, but reinforced with the most recent policy changes and leading to constitutional changes which were really an attack on property rights.” He added that when the government gave itself the legal right to take anybody’s property using the constitution, it totally destroyed all investor confidence.

The reports said Salomao would meet government officials as well as opposition officials from the Movement for Democratic Change. Asked whether the SADC official could make a good assessment in a matter of days after speaking to a few officials, Robertson said it was possible if he were to speak to the right people. He added: “But if he is being shepherded around by the ruling party who will make sure he speaks only to people who they already know agree with party policies, then it’s absolute certainty that he will leave without having picked up any facts at all.”

Robertson also believes Salomao needs to meet with the private sector and speak to people who already have large commitments in the country to see how they are coping under present conditions. But as of the end of the day Thursday there was no confirmation of Salomao’s presence in Harare. Zimbabweans continue to wait for Mbeki and the other SADC leaders to show some sign that change is coming.