ECONOMIST, Gift Mugano, has ditched the opposition in support of the government in what he has described as a Damascene moment for him.
Once a government critic and its policies, Mugano has in recent times been showering praises on Minister of Finance, Mthuli Ncube and the Mutapa Investment Fund Chief Executive Officer John Mangudya.
His sudden turn of stance had prompted criticism from opposition figures questioning Mugano’s sudden praise of “economic progress”.
Quoting biblical figures, Mugano said he is lending the government support after witnessing the success of its economic policies.
“This statement is motivated by incessant questions raised by the public in recent weeks regarding my recent remarks towards economic progress made by the Government of Zimbabwe. I thought that I must set the record straight on where I stand by penning this statement.
“I know that more questions and attacks will come. I will not pen any statement on the same in the future. My actions will speak louder than words,” said Mugano.
He added: “I am not anyway near Daniel and Joseph from spiritual perspective but my actions are inspired and modelled around how these great men of God worked with their respective governments.
“Forget about what I said during my Saul moment. I had my Damascus moment – a point of reflection and soul searching. I am new. I am now Paul. I will never revert back to the old Saul!”
Mugano was in 2023 dismissed from the ZimTrade board after lending his support to the then leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Nelson Chamisa.
Mugano said the country is witnessing stability as a result of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
“Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has done exceptionally well in managing policy instruments under its purview to foster price stability;
“Mining – mining revolution is taking place with gold hitting record output of 46.7 tonnes with lithium and base metals standing out as our flagship exports;
“Construction – everywhere you go, you see massive housing construction, shopping malls and off course road rehabilitation which has become a hallmark of the Second Republic is one of the positive things taking place in this country.
“Agriculture – agricultural revolution is taking place quietly and steadily with dairy, cereals and tobacco recording massive growth and the growth trajectory is anticipated to remain positive,” he said.
