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Former UK Mayor showers praises on Mnangagwa
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Former Corby Town Mayor Tafadzwa Chikoto, a UK-based Zimbabwean national, has sparked debate after expressing strong support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling Zanu-PF government, describing the president's leadership as "fantastic" and "amazing" despite Zimbabwe's deepening socio-economic challenges.
Chikoto, who made history in 2022 by becoming the first black mayor of Corby, England, has long been seen as a sympathizer of Zanu-PF. His latest remarks were made during a tour of the Manhize area, home to the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO), a key component of the government's much-publicized mega project agenda and part of a proposed smart city initiative.
"It is not isolated to just Manhize," said Chikoto in an interview with Zanu-PF's information department. "There is a lot of industry being resuscitated. I urge Zimbabweans to look back home with a positive eye, come back and invest in Zimbabwe, build something here together with the Second Republic."
Chikoto further praised Mnangagwa's administration, claiming: "Our President is doing fantastic work, you cannot fault that. The work that he is doing counteracts every negative publicity. The Second Republic has done amazing work; there is major construction, major infrastructure development. People are happy. We are sailing through, we are crossing over."
His remarks, however, appear to contradict the reality on the ground for millions of Zimbabweans, particularly in urban centers like Harare and Bulawayo. The country is currently grappling with severe economic hardships, including skyrocketing inflation, mass unemployment, and widespread food insecurity. According to the United Nations, millions are facing hunger, with the crisis affecting both rural communities and urban households.
Zimbabwe's so-called "mega projects" have been heavily promoted by the government as symbols of economic revival, but critics argue that these ventures have done little to ease the day-to-day struggles of ordinary citizens. Many remain skeptical about the tangible benefits of these projects amid growing poverty and declining public service delivery.
Chikoto, no stranger to controversy, faced criticism in 2022 after he visited Mnangagwa at State House shortly after his election as mayor of Corby. His close ties to the Zimbabwean leader and ruling party have raised eyebrows in both Zimbabwe and the UK, where political circles remain cautious over human rights and governance issues under Mnangagwa's rule.
While Chikoto's comments are being embraced by pro-government voices, they have also drawn backlash from Zimbabweans who see them as detached from the harsh realities they face daily.
Chikoto, who made history in 2022 by becoming the first black mayor of Corby, England, has long been seen as a sympathizer of Zanu-PF. His latest remarks were made during a tour of the Manhize area, home to the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO), a key component of the government's much-publicized mega project agenda and part of a proposed smart city initiative.
"It is not isolated to just Manhize," said Chikoto in an interview with Zanu-PF's information department. "There is a lot of industry being resuscitated. I urge Zimbabweans to look back home with a positive eye, come back and invest in Zimbabwe, build something here together with the Second Republic."
Chikoto further praised Mnangagwa's administration, claiming: "Our President is doing fantastic work, you cannot fault that. The work that he is doing counteracts every negative publicity. The Second Republic has done amazing work; there is major construction, major infrastructure development. People are happy. We are sailing through, we are crossing over."
Zimbabwe's so-called "mega projects" have been heavily promoted by the government as symbols of economic revival, but critics argue that these ventures have done little to ease the day-to-day struggles of ordinary citizens. Many remain skeptical about the tangible benefits of these projects amid growing poverty and declining public service delivery.
Chikoto, no stranger to controversy, faced criticism in 2022 after he visited Mnangagwa at State House shortly after his election as mayor of Corby. His close ties to the Zimbabwean leader and ruling party have raised eyebrows in both Zimbabwe and the UK, where political circles remain cautious over human rights and governance issues under Mnangagwa's rule.
While Chikoto's comments are being embraced by pro-government voices, they have also drawn backlash from Zimbabweans who see them as detached from the harsh realities they face daily.
Source - NewZimbabwe
