Mugabe is a 'responsive and accountable leader'

ZANU-PF's newly appointed member of parliament, Psychology Maziwisa, has hailed President Robert Mugabe as a "responsive and accountable leader", as the country awaits his state of the nation address (Sona) on Tuesday.

Maziwisa, who is Zanu-PF's deputy director of information, wrote on his Facebook page: "President Mugabe is coming to Parliament this afternoon not just to deliver his state of the nation address, but also (and more importantly) to demonstrate that he is a responsive and accountable leader who adheres to the basic precepts of the Zimbabwean constitution."

The Sona will be Mugabe's first since 2007, when the Zimbabwe dollar crashed to record lows while inflation figures shot through the roof.

The veteran leader's address comes amid pressure for his government to halt the country's economic crisis, which continues to spiral out of control.

His administration is expected to implement measures to turn around the economy and stop current job cuts, which have seen at least 20 000 workers losing their livelihoods in the past few weeks.

Maziwisa's post provoked angry reactions from his Facebook followers, with some saying he should be ashamed, especially at a time when the country is reeling under severe economic hardship.

Maziwisa has always praised Mugabe. At one time he referred to him as a leader "who virtually every Zimbabwean is fond of" and is "idolised by the entire African country".