Mugano dumps opposition

ECONOMIST Gift Mugano has officially abandoned his previous opposition stance, throwing his support behind the government in what he described as a personal "Damascene moment." Once an outspoken critic of government policies, Mugano has recently been lauding the efforts of Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube and Mutapa Investment Fund CEO John Mangudya, prompting both surprise and criticism from opposition figures.

In a statement, Mugano said his shift in allegiance followed careful reflection on Zimbabwe's economic performance. Quoting biblical figures, he likened his transformation to that of Saul turning into Paul.

"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," Mugano said.

He added: "I am not anyway near Daniel and Joseph from a 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, who was dismissed from the ZimTrade board in 2023 after supporting Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa, said his change of heart was driven by tangible signs of economic progress.

"The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has done exceptionally well in managing policy instruments under its purview to foster price stability. Mining – a mining revolution is taking place with gold hitting a record output of 46.7 tonnes, while lithium and base metals stand out as flagship exports. Construction – massive housing developments, shopping malls, and road rehabilitation, which has become a hallmark of the Second Republic, are visible everywhere. Agriculture – an agricultural revolution is quietly underway with dairy, cereals, and tobacco recording significant growth, and this trajectory is expected to remain positive," he said.

Mugano's pronouncement signals a notable shift in the public discourse around Zimbabwe's economic management, as he moves from critic to vocal supporter of the government's development agenda.