Pretty much anybody who feels they have a chance of laying their hands on some state resources or privileges, or indeed anything of value, is trying to jump onto the gravy train.
Zanu (PF) officials in Chiredzi are demanding land in the lucrative Save conservancy. Judges, most of whom have already been given land grabbed from white farmers, plasma TVs and luxury cars, this week issued a statement demanding three suits, five shirts and two pairs of shoes each, as well as relief vehicles for when theirs are “unavailable”. They also want new computers, research assistants, smarter offices and a better library – and deplored their “inhospitable” working conditions.
War veterans told Parliament this week they would disrupt the elections unless they got a sizeable stake in the mining industry and $18,000 each in cash. The Chiefs have demanded a meeting with the President at which they will demand new vehicles, more money and guns.
MPs, many of whom are aware that their changes of re-election are slim, are demanding that before the end of the current Parliament they be given 4×4 vehicles and a lump sum in overdue allowances as well as “terminal benefits”.
Cabinet Ministers were also recently in the news demanding a $21,000 housing allowance each, which they suggested should not be made public, and new cars. Whoever wins this year’s election will face a crisis of expectations of gargantuan proportions.
Post published in: Analysis