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Zimbabwe's Political Firestorm: Mnangagwa's Spokesperson Defends Contentious Parliament Dismissal

Published 3 weeks ago2 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
Zimbabwe's Political Firestorm: Mnangagwa's Spokesperson Defends Contentious Parliament Dismissal

Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba has publicly defended the decision by Parliament to remove Bikita South MP Energy Mutodi from his position as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance, and Economic Development. Charamba stated that Mutodi's dismissal upheld both the integrity of Parliament and the crucial doctrine of separation of powers within the government structure. Mutodi was removed from his chairmanship after making public accusations against Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga.

Writing under the pseudonym Dhonzamusoro007 on his X account, Charamba lauded the Speaker of Parliament for taking decisive action. He emphasized that parliamentary hearings are intended to build a case, not to serve as a platform for "bald, defamatory allegations against the Executive." Charamba also criticised what he termed an "opposition ethos" prevalent within certain factions of the ruling party. He articulated his concern over the expectation that "Zanu PF, Zanu PF personalities and national institutions can advance opposition agenda while the opposition itself wallows in stupidity and internecine conflicts," suggesting a misguided hope for power to originate from within Zanu PF itself.

The controversy stemmed from Mutodi's prior posts on X, where he alleged that George Guvamatanga was demanding kickbacks ranging from 5% to 10% from various ministries and departments to facilitate the release of Treasury funds. Mutodi further accused Guvamatanga of accumulating illicit wealth, including numerous properties and over 5,000 dairy cattle, which he claimed were valued at more than US$1 billion. These serious allegations were subsequently reiterated by Mutodi in Parliament, where he pushed for Guvamatanga to be summoned to provide an explanation. However, Mutodi later retracted his claims and issued a public apology, acknowledging the gravity of his initial accusations.

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