Chinamasa castigates fellow ministers

Patrick Chinamasa Finance minister on Thursday said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was not imposing its policies on Zimbabwe, adding that discussions under the Staff-Monitored Programme have been brutal, frank and cordial.

Addressing delegates attending a roundtable discussion entitled Economic Prospects for Zimbabwe and Re-engagement Process, Chinamasa said he does not think they should be apologetic for seeking to become sound managers of the economy.

"What would you criticize if we agree that we will spend more on infrastructure and social services?" he said.

Chinamasa also urged fellow Cabinet ministers to stop being cry-babies, but seek ways to circumvent the Western sanctions that have been blamed for causing the current economic crisis.