by Brenda Musemwa,ZiMinig Reporter
ZIMBABWE Iron and Steel Company (Zisco Steel) Board Chairman Professor Gift Mugano, who failed to resuscitate the defunct company within a year of appointment, has resign from the parastatal in a huff.Professor Mugano, a respected economist, said the decision to throw in the towel stems from comments he made in the media that were deemed unpatriotic.He said he wants to enjoy the freedom of expression provided for in the constitution of Zimbabwe.Proof Mugano, as a financial analyst, to criticised the decision of the state in reintroducing local currency without a proper plans to sustain it.In his resignation letter tendered to Industry and Commerce Minister Sekesai Nzenza, said his criticism in public media has a direct conflict to his position as a chairperson of a state owned company.“The decision to resign is built on a firm view that I believe that my contribution on the policy discourse is of primary importance which cannot be forfeited in favour of maintaining a macro role as an interim chairman and Board member of ZISCO.”For avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding the argument that my comments are negative and retrogressive, evidence shows that in a number of times policymakers regularly took up my submissions.”In a way the second republic ,in line with the provision of the Constitution of Zimbabwe on freedom of expression ,which is outlined in the Transitionally Stabilisation Programme paragraph 1766,has opened the space for citizens which include commentators such as economists to freely express themselves,” said part of his letter.The Zimbabwean dollar continue to tumble against foreign currency.According to this week’s RBZ auction, the rate of Zimbabwean dollar to US$ stands at 63.Black market rates are way beyond 70 for one US dollar.RBZ has directed mobile operators to deregister mobile money agents for EcoCash, Telecash and Netone accused of speculative tendencies.
