Jane Mlambo|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has dashed to the defence of under fire Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube’s new monetary measures saying there is no need to panic as his government is guaranteeing continued availability of basic commodities including fuel.

In a statement released today, Mnangagwa said the announced measures will lead Zimbabwe on a path to steady economic growth and will have far reaching effects.

Read Mnangagwa’s statement below;

Last week, Minister of Finance Mthuli Ncube, drawing on his vast experience as chief economist and vice President at the African Development Bank, announced a series of measures to reform and revive our economy, and put us on the path to steady economic growth. Cognisant of the scale and urgency of the challenges facing us, our plan is bold and far reaching and will have the desired effect.

I have read your comments and understand the difficulties many face, and government will do all in its power to minimize them. We are already taking the lead by cutting back on unnecessary spending. The only way to a stronger economy is to restructure, rebuild and reform.

We must all be realistic. Whatever some may claim, there are no silver bullets or quick fixes. There is no need to panic, and government is guaranteeing the availability of all essential commodities, including fuel.
We are on a shared journey to a better and more secure future. The road is long, winding and at times bumpy, but there is no other way.

This is the road to a middle income economy, and if we travel it together, with patience and purpose, we will realize our vision.