A FIERCE row is brewing in Zimbabwe involving Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono over indigenisation plans for foreign-owned banks.
Mr Kasukuwere on Monday insisted that foreign banks meet him ahead of a July deadline to discuss indigenisation. Failure to attend the meetings would be taken as evidence of the banks’ unwillingness to comply.
It is the latest chapter in a feud that has raged since January, with no clear indication of how the government intends to handle Mr Gono’s backing of foreign banks’ opposition to the far-reaching provisions of the proposed law.
Mr Gono, who is thought to be close to President Robert Mugabe, is said to have been quietly meeting foreign bank CEOs in what his critics say "looks suspiciously" like an attempt to strike a deal.
Mr Kasukuwere said on Monday he had received reports that Mr Gono was being "paid" by the banks to block indigenisation, but had not verified them. He likened Mr Gono to Zimbabwe’s first black prime minister, Abel Muzorewa, saying he opposed the wishes of the people.
Mr Gono was not available for comment on Monday.
Foreign banks with operations in Zimbabwe are now jostling to meet Mr Kasukuwere to present their indigenisation plans.
Confirmation last month by Standard Bank Africa CE Clive Tasker of a meeting with Mr Gono is being cited as probable evidence against the governor.
Contacted for comment, Standard Bank spokesman Erik Larsen said: "Standard Bank continues to engage in dialogue with all the appropriate authorities."
It has further emerged in the past few days that the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission was keen to probe Mr Kasukuwere, Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu and National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board officials for alleged corruption in the conclusion of indigenisation deals.
Mr Kasukuwere said he was not worried about the investigation.
With Tawanda Karombo
Post a comment