News / Local
We don't impose a guest on ZITF Board – Welshman Ncube
27 Mar 2012 at 06:07hrs | Views
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair board had eyed having Brazilian President Dilma Roussef, African Development Bank (ADB) president Donald Kaberuka or Zambian leader, Michael Sata as guest of honor, Bulawayo24.com has learnt.
However, Sata was the only available during the trade fair period which runs from 24 to 28 April in Bulawayo.
Industry and Commerce minister Welshman Ncube said the ZITF board had identified the three are possible guests.
"They gave us three names, which I forwarded to the president's office. After consultations Sata emerged as the available person and he has accepted the invitation," said Ncube.
Ncube said his ministry and the president's office do not impose a candidate on the ZITF board "but only advises where necessary."
However, sources at ZITF say Sata was chosen as he is the only SADC leader who has not opened the fair.
He only came into power last year.
In the past decade nearly all leaders of southern African countries have officiated at the fair.
Previous guests include former South African President Thabo Mbeki, King Mswati III of Swaziland, former Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad and former Namibian president Sam Nujoma, former Zambian President Rupiah Banda and Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
However, Sata was the only available during the trade fair period which runs from 24 to 28 April in Bulawayo.
Industry and Commerce minister Welshman Ncube said the ZITF board had identified the three are possible guests.
"They gave us three names, which I forwarded to the president's office. After consultations Sata emerged as the available person and he has accepted the invitation," said Ncube.
Ncube said his ministry and the president's office do not impose a candidate on the ZITF board "but only advises where necessary."
However, sources at ZITF say Sata was chosen as he is the only SADC leader who has not opened the fair.
He only came into power last year.
In the past decade nearly all leaders of southern African countries have officiated at the fair.
Previous guests include former South African President Thabo Mbeki, King Mswati III of Swaziland, former Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad and former Namibian president Sam Nujoma, former Zambian President Rupiah Banda and Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
Source - Byo24News
