Mnangagwa flies into raging storm

President Emmerson Mnangagwa returned from a five day visit to China early yesterday morning to be confronted with soaring prices of mostly basic commodities and rising shortages.

Prices of basic commodities have been going up since last week and parents are struggling to buy necessities for their children who start school tomorrow.

Goods that include rice, cooking oil, cereals, sugar, washing powder, lotions, toiletries, instant noodles, snacks, sweets and juices have been on an upward trajectory in retail outlets in Bulawayo while their prices have been constant on the street.

A snap survey revealed that prices have gone up by up to 50 percent. A majority of residents said they now avoid retailers and buy commodities from street vendors, whose prices were up to half of what is charged by retailers.

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has said Zimbabwe will not preoccupy itself with sanctions by some Western capitals, but will continue to work with progressive nations to grow its economy.

Further, President Mnangagwa reiterated that after the July 30 elections, focus now should be on economic development. Mnangagwa made the remarks in an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit held in Beijing this week.

President Mnangagwa said his Government would continue to create an environment conducive for investment. Mnangagwa said the fact that Africa had a young population was an advantage and Governments should optimise that and create an environment that empowers the youths.