Mnangagwa spokesperson shrugs off Tagwirei sanctions concerns as opposition criticises cabinet appointment

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, says the United States of America and British sanctions on Kudakwashe Tagwirei are inconsequential to his appointment as a cabinet minister.

Tagwirei was appointed by President Mnangagwa as the Minister of Economic Development and Investment Promotion.

The portfolio was split from Mthuli Ncube’s Finance, which until Thursday oversaw economic development and investment.

Tagwirei’s appointment was criticised by a section of the opposition over his ability to execute duties, as he is among individuals under US sanctions.

Posting on microblogging site X under the pseudonym Jamwanda, Charamba came short of saying the sanctions on Tagwirei are of no consequence to his new ministry.

“The President is not appointing anyone for the United States; he is appointing a Minister for Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Government.

“America has no jurisdiction in Zimbabwe, which is why its sanctions remain illegal and criminal. By merely imagining and raising American illegal sanctions on Zimbabweans as a constraining factor, those raising such an argument merely register their treacherous obeisance, fear or both, to America.

“Such base treachery cannot exercise the appointing authority. Secondly, this appointing authority, President ED Mnangagwa, is on US illegal sanctions,” said Charamba.

Among other duties, Tagwirei’s ministry will supervise the wealth fund Mutapa Investment Fund and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency.

The latest appointment is a continuation of Tagwirei’s manoeuvring after he was recently seconded into the Senate by President Mnangagwa.

Opposition leader Jameson Timba said Tagwirei’s appointment is a conflict of interest, as he holds vast business interests in some sectors which fall under his ministry.

“Conflicts of interest: Mr Tagwirei has extensive commercial interests in sectors likely to be affected by decisions of his new ministry.

“Section 106(2)(b) of the Constitution prohibits ministers from placing themselves in situations involving a risk of conflict between their public responsibilities and private interests. What safeguards have been established to ensure compliance?” said Timba.

Norton legislator Richard Tsvangirai said Tagwirei’s appointment does not benefit the majority of citizens.

“Another neoliberal has been tasked with running a critical ministry. What should we expect from the economic promotion and investment portfolio?

“More privatisation, further concentration of wealth, and an economy increasingly controlled by a few powerful interests. The majority have nothing to gain from this appointment,” said Tsvangirai.

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