Govt’s hands tied

Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
FINANCE and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa says Government has no power to discipline ZIFA chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze.

Chinamasa, though, said it was wrong for officials in public organisations to use language which could be deemed to be sexist in this country. Mashingaidze has come under fire after reports yesterday said he criticised Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga, while he has been slammed by ZIFA board member, Miriam Sibanda, as allegedly being abusive of women.

Non Constituency MP Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga (MDC) took the issue into Parliament yesterday.

“What is Government policy around officials who call Government Ministers or officials ignorant and misguided. Its sexists in my view,” said Misihairabwi.

Chinamasa said Mashingaidze didn’t fall under Government jurisdiction. “FIFA policy is that we should not interfere. Yes, we have no jurisdiction over the official of ZIFA. If he was an official of Ministry of Sports Arts and Culture we would say we have jurisdiction,” said Chinamasa.

“No one, whether male or female should use abusive words or language. Whether you are an official or not.”

Addressing Parliament last week, Kanengoni-Malinga said Government was prepared to face sanctions from FIFA to clean up the mess at ZIFA.

She said Zimbabwe would return to the FIFA football family stronger after serving the suspension and they were not the first country to face the wrath of the world football controlling body.