ZIMBABWE’S economic recovery is being slowed by policy conflict in the unity government with President Robert Mugabe, said Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.
Policy differences are jeopardizing efforts to create new jobs, Tsvangirai told supporters of his Movement for Democratic Change while celebrating the party’s 12th anniversary in the capital, Harare.
“Mugabe comes out and tells investors ‘your investment is safe’” and then Indiginisation Minister Saviour Kasukuwere says, “‘I want to close this and that mine,’” Tsvangirai said. “This kind of policy conflict cannot inspire confidence.”
Tsvangirai was referring to Mugabe's reassurances to foreign companies that they will not be nationalised if they comply with the country's new equity laws.
Within days Kasukuwere threatened to revoke mining giant Zimplats' licence for failure to submit their plan on how they intend to sell their majority stake to local blacks.
Tsvangirai and Mugabe entered into a power-sharing deal in February 2009.
Although the unity government has brought some stability, uncertainty caused by the government's indigenisation drive has scared away foreign investors.
The MDC is pushing for a new constitution, guarantees on press freedom and for foreign election monitors to be deployed for six months before any vote.
Zimbabwe’s next elections must have the support of the Southern African Development Community and the United Nations, Tsvangirai said, adding that the polls must be conducted in a free and fair environment.