adminLeroy Dzenga Herald Correspondent
Businessman Joseph Makamba Busha, who lost in the July 30 presidential election, has called on the United States of America to remove economic sanctions against Zimbabwe, arguing that the stringent measures are inhibiting the country’s economic growth.
Speaking at a press conference in Harare yesterday, the Freezim Congress leader said he was in the process of lobbying Washington to repeal the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA) that brought about the sanctions, which have been punitive to Zimbabweans.
“We believe the reintroduction of ZIDERA has a negative effect on Zimbabweans because it stifles their economic growth. All these shortages we are experiencing are in one way or the other related to sanctions and they have to be repealed.
“I have written to the United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe and we are hoping for a response. If there is no response, we will be organising a peaceful walk to express our displeasure with the sanctions,” said Mr Busha.
The South Africa-based businessman said sanctions could be slowing down Foreign Direct Investment inflows into the country.
“Once you are put on sanctions companies are discouraged from engaging you. There are companies which should have come to Zimbabwe to invest but they are holding back because they are afraid of the consequences of associating with a country under sanctions,” he said.
Mr Busha also castigated the MDC-Alliance for failing to provide clear-cut policy alternatives.
“We can`t defer the economic development of the country for positions. The main opposition in Parliament, MDC-Alliance, has nothing to offer the people of Zimbabwe. They are just looking to line their pockets. If they had ideas, they would have provided policy alternatives to central Government and force them to adapt them for the benefit of Zimbabwe,” said Mr Busha.
The businessman was among a handful of little known politicians who were also-rans in this year’s presidential election won by President Mnangagwa.
Online Reporter