Mugabe’s beleaguered regime dumps plan to slash public service
HARARE — Zimbabwe’s government has dropped plans to cut public sector jobs and bonuses less than a week after they were announced as activists call for more protests against economic mismanagement.Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa announced the unpopular cuts last Thursday, saying they were essential to rein in spending and a ballooning budget deficit.But, six days later, Information Minister Christopher Mushohwe said the cabinet rejected the proposals, which included a plan to reduce purchases of local maize.READ THIS: Fresh ban on protests in Zimbabwe ‘the last kicks of a dying horse’The about-turn raises questions on how Harare plans to tackle a financial crunch that has fuelled protests and alarmed neighbours."The president and cabinet want to assure the civil servants, the farmers and the public at large that the proposed measures are not friendly," Mushohwe said on Wednesday."After extensive deliberations, cost-cutting measures relating to the civil service were rejected."An...
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