Academic Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo writes:

I will try to engage the Finance Minister on key ideas which can drive the nation forward.

I have a problem with a National Budget which is not simplified in simple terms. The ongoing countrywide consultations involve business community, Mps, politicians leaving out a bigger chunk of the concept. Who will explain the devolution concept to the rural folk in Muzarabani area? Why can’t we have pamphlets printed in vernacular language ( Shona & Ndebele), and other languages. There must be room for senators, councilors, Mps and other stakeholders to go back to their respective constituencies to seek fresh ideas on what to table on the national budget presentation.

This week I will make frantic efforts to get in touch with Minister of Finance Hon Muthuli Ncube on a number of issues in line with the forth coming 2019/20 National Budget which is expected to be in Parliament this coming week. I will raise the following issues with him :

1. Economic framework of the country

2. Policy Consistency

3. Humanitarian aspect

4. Austerity measures alluding to the Minister’s public statements

5. The On -going countrywide consultations

6. National Debt

7. Corruption

8. Privatisation concept

9. Re – engagement plan

10. Bloated senate / Parliament

11. Wage Bill

12. Development Agenda

I will not dwell much on the 12 points but I will pick few of them which are critical. I have a problem with a National Budget which does not reflect the Humanitarian aspect, when over 5 million people face starvation.

To me it is unfair to read out a National Budget statement without giving more clarification on the COMMAND AGRICULTURE project which gobbled at least 5.9 Billion to date. At least there is need for a forensic audit to clear the air on the tax payer’s money.

Nobody knows the current National debt, both domestic and local debt. There is a lot of guess work, some say it has gone up to 21 billion, and some say it’s around 17 billion

We also need an explanation on the current foreign nationals who are in Chiadzwa and other strategic areas where we have mineral deposits. We are witnessing fresh invasions and the Finance Minister must highlight to us what these Russians are doing in Zimbabwe.

So far we have a bloated cabinet, bloated senate, Mps and bloated civil service and what is the Minister doing to cut expenditure in line with the Mid – term policy which he read during the year.

I was of the idea that the Public Accounts Committee must be empowered and be given enough resources, it is an outstanding committee doing a sterling job bringing the culprits to book and exposing corruption.

We also have taxation problems. Since the collection of 2% revenue , we also need an update of how much Muthuli Ncube has collected so far and the expenditure of the collection.

Salaries for the executive. How much is the President and ministers getting? How much allowances is the President and the entire Executive drawing from the fiscus?

Declaration of assets is also key. I think a bill must be tabled on the issue of declaring of assets by the Executive, Ministers and all senior Government officials including those who are aspiring for higher office.

Last but not least, the National Development Agenda for Zimbabwe inline with a five year plan. We can call it the second National Development Agenda. The agenda must be clear on ;

– critical sectors of the economy

– Policy Consistency

– key drivers of the economy

– proper economic framework

– Foreign Policy must be clear

Command Agriculture

This project must be bankrolled by local and stable banks not individuals. The idea of allowing individuals to bankroll the Command Agriculture is creating leakages and loopholes for looting. The ” COMMAND ” must be rephrased and look for a proper term.

The term ” Command Agriculture” is associated with ” force ” and this raises a lot of dust with foreign investors. In actual fact, the Agriculture sector must partner with Development partners.

Another key area : close down non-performing parastatals or state companies which are dysfunctional. They are draining a lot from the fiscus.

In a Nutshell ;

Kindly attend to the Humanitarian aspect. It is important to consider the plight of people. People need to be empowered. I don’t know why Government is relying on taxation instead of partnership development. It is an embarrassment to witness the Government receiving handouts from countries like Botswana and others , the once bread basket nation within the region.

Empower people

Develop strategic partnership

Work on Foreign Policy

Change of Mindset

Investment Policy must be worked out

Deal with Human Rights Obligation

Use of friendly language to Foreign Investors

Transparency & Accountability

Inclusiveness is key

Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo – Doctor of Philosophy Candidate

Muzamhindo is the Executive Director for Global Institute of Policy Analysis and Research and he is also a leading consultant in Project Management and he can be contacted at [email protected]