In a letter from the interim ZISCO Steel Board Dr Mugano to the Industry and Commerce Minister Sekesai Nzenza, Dr Mugano said he was resigning from the ZISCO Board and said one of the reasons why he was resigning was because his public comments on the government policies were viewed to be a direct conflict to his role as a board member of a State Enterprise. In a letter dated 29 June 2020, Dr Mugano said:
NOTICE OF RESIGNATION FROM THE BOARD OF ZIMBABWE IRON AND STEEL COMPANY
Reference is made to the above subject. As a follow up to our conversations over my comments on public media on Government policies which are viewed by some sections of Government as in direct conflict with my role as a board member of a State Enterprise, I took a reflection of the concerns and decided to resign from the ZISCO board.
The decision to resign is built on a firm view that I believe that my contribution on the policy discourse is of primary importance which cannot be forfeited in favour of maintaining a micro role as the interim Chairman and Board member of ZISCO.
For avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding the arguments that my comments are negative and retrogressive, evidence shows that in a number of times policy makers regularly took up my submissions.
In any way, the Second Republic, in line with the provision of the Constitution of Zimbabwe on freedom of expression, which is outlined in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme paragraph 1766, has opened the space for citizens which include commentators such as economists to freely express themselves.
It is on the basis of the foregoing that I took a firm view that it is in the best interest of the country that I continue to provide uninterrupted and constructive views on various policies without any constraint for the interest of our beloved country.
It is my sincere hope too that Government will remain open to divergent views on various policies and pieces of legislations.
Please accept assurance of highest consideration.
Professor Gift Mugano (Ph.D) Professor of Economics Interim Chairman
