It’s not our fault, says Mugabe

HARARE: Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe said yesterday the country’s citizens should not blame the government for the economic crisis and hunger that had rocked the country.

Addressing thousands gathered to commemorate the country’s National Heroes Day in Harare, Mugabe said sanctions and the El Niño-induced drought had caused havoc.

“This is our problem together …The government does not make rain. We have tried to improve the lives of our people, but the El Niño-induced drought and continued sanctions have caused food shortages,” he said.

Mugabe said no one in the country, regardless of political affiliation, would starve as the government would continue to import maize to feed the millions who faced starvation.

“If you have enough food, eat and grow pot bellies, but if you don’t get enough, don’t blame the government. We try to feed everyone, including those that are not Zanu-PF – it is not our culture to discriminate along political lines,” he said.

Mugabe defended the controversial Statutory Instrument 64 which restricts imports, saying it was meant to protect local industries.

“We know that the rand is weak and people get things cheaper in South Africa, but that is dumping. We cannot allow dumping of cheap products because they will destroy our industry,” he said.

Mugabe also attacked the Chinese for bringing cheap clothes into the country, saying it did not help local clothing manufacturers grow.

The ageing president also attacked #This Flag pastor Evan Mawarire, saying he was after money and not the word of God.

“Some church leaders are now after money and are not seeking God … this is our problem together and not a government problem,” he said. – ANA