Ray Nkosi | By the time former President Robert Mugabe was ousted from power his penchant for travelling had become a huge liablity to the country’s economy, spending over $50 million on foreign trips a year.
In 2016 alone according to a financial statement published in the latest government gazette, foreign travel expenses totalled $53.2 million.
Things have not changed under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s new dispensation, as foreign trips continue to gobble up much needed financial resources. Mnangagwa currently on a state visit to China where he went with a huge entourage is reported to have blown up to $2.3 million on this trip alone.
Mnangagwa has travelled to 13 countries in five months.
The local Newsday quotes anonymous sources saying, ” Air Zimbabwe had offered to take the presidential delegation to China for $1,9 million but government opted for a luxurious private jet owned by Switzerland-based aviation management company, Comlux at a cost of $2,3 million.
“This probably excludes costs related to the crew for the eight days of the President’s State visit to China,” a source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said adding Mnangagwa used Comlux’s most prized asset, the VIP Boeing 767.
According to internationally-recognised rating agent, S&P Global, Comlux is rated as an integrated group in the aviation sector specialising in Airbus and Boeing, with the former typically chartered by heads of state, royal families, business leaders or sports teams.
Mnangagwa’s special adviser, Christopher Mutsvangwa said:“It’s a long flight … needs non-stop capacity … Air Zimbabwe flights have no similar capacity, as they have to make a refuelling stop-over. Our bilateral State visit need not needlessly burden third countries with security and protocol.”
Air Zimbabwe acting chief executive officer, Joseph Makonese would also not be drawn into commenting on the matter, claiming he was away on holiday.
“I am not aware because I am on a break. Ask our communications manager, (Tafadzwa) Mazonde,” he said.
Mazonde was not available for comment.
Efforts to get comment from Foreign Affairs permanent secretary, Joey Bimha were futile.