That the clear intention of the Constitution in regard to devolution has been circumvented is starkly
illustrated in the fact that many of the people appointed as Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs
by Mugabe were in fact the Provincial Governors of their respective provinces before the abolition
of these posts25, thus effectively continuing in their offices with their work under different titles,
with no devolution of governance having taken place. One such person appointed as Minister of
State for Provincial Affairs for Mashonaland Central by President Mugabe is Martin Dinha. Martin
Dinha was thus conveniently on hand to be helpful (as he had been when Provincial Governor)
once more when Mrs Mugabe once more required more land in the Province.
President Mugabe has declared zero tolerance for corruption, regardless of the quarter from which it
emanates. This and other considerations mean that there is no absolutely no suggestion here of any
impropriety in this transaction. Mr Dinha has clearly stated Mrs Mugabe’s “request for more land was
justified considering the great work she was carrying out.”26What is suggested, however, is that the totality of
the circumstances is unlikely to result in favorable comment in the reports of risk assessors detailing
the investment climate in Zimbabwe.
The few examples given here are merely a small corner of a larger picture showing a disregard for
the principles of constitutionality and the rule of law by Zimbabwe’s policy makers. Yet this aspect
of Zimbabwe’s policy is extremely important when assessing Zimbabwe’s investment climate. When
to this governance style is added the fact that successive Mugabe Administrations have a long track
record making policy decisions oblivious, and seemingly unconcerned about their economic impact,
it is likely that in order to attract investment to Zimbabwe more will be needed than nebulous
statements that “Zimbabwe is open for business”. What is required is a somewhat cathartic event
which signals, to those wishing to engage with Zimbabwe, a clean break with the past. I leave it to
the imagination of others the nature of such an event.
Jason Machaya (Midlands), Chris Mushowe (Manicaland) Martin Dinha (Mashonaland Central) Faber Chidarikire
(Mashonaland West) and Cain Mathema (Matabeleland North – moved from Bulawayo)
26 See First Lady Needs More Land for Expansion The Herald 05.10.14.
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