Sechaba Lunkunku

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says the scarf he wore on his first trip to Davos soon after the coup and to everywhere else he has been to outside Zimbabwe is attracting investors into the country.

Mnangagwa made the claim in Masvingo where he addressed crowds on Friday as part of his campaign for the elections scheduled for July 30.

“When I went to Davos I took with me my rainbow scarf and they now know me and Zimbabwe is on everyone’s lips. Before we came here we went to Mashava Mine which we are currently resuscitating,” said Mnangagwa.

He added, “On Tuesday we will sign a deal with investors whom we met in Davos and are interested in CSC Masvingo. On 31 July, they will start operations at the abattoir and 500 jobs will be created.”

He went on, “In mining, we have lithium at Bikita; we are introducing new investors who will partner Government in exploring the minerals. Minister Chitando must make sure that he walks the talk, if he doesn’t do so I will relieve him from his duties. Diamonds in Sese, Chivi District will be exploited after the elections as we are crafting a new diamond policy and we will start mining in September.”

“The Beitbridge-Chirundu Highway has caused many deaths due to accidents. The contracted company, Geiger International, had no money. We are now looking at new companies and we are looking at their proof of payment,” he added.

Mnangagwa and his ministers Sibusiso Moyo (foreign affairs) and Patrick Chinamasa (finance) have worn the multi-coloured scarf everywhere they have been to at times defying hot weather.

British envoy to Harare, Catriona Liang, has also been spotted wearing one in London although she has claimed it was given to her as a gift well before Mnangagwa wore his.