Cde Kandishaya Says Sanctions Affect Zimbabwe’s Economic Development By Sam Mupedziswa | Zimfocus ZANU PF Youth League National Deputy Political Commissar Cde Taurai Kandishaya has challenged claims that sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe target individuals only, arguing that their effects extend to the country’s leadership, businesses, trade and economic development. Speaking during a lecture on sanctions, Cde Kandishaya said the inclusion of the President, Vice President, First Lady, senior security officials & businesspeople on sanctions lists demonstrated the extent of the measures. He argued that the restrictions could affect Zimbabwe’s ability to conduct international business & pursue economic development. Cde Kandishaya cited President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Vice President Retired General Dr Constantino Chiwenga and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa among those he said were on the United States sanctions list. He also mentioned the Minister of Defence & ZANU PF Chairperson, alongside the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Stephen Mutamba and state security officials. “If there are people saying sanctions are not targeting Zimbabweans, why is the President of Zimbabwe on the sanctions list? The President is the Head of State who is supposed to append his signature to agreements that benefit the country, yet he is on sanctions,” Cde Kandishaya said. He argued that sanctions & related restrictions affected international trade & business transactions, adding that Zimbabweans also faced challenges accessing certain online services & monetising social media platforms. “Sanctions restrict trade, as we know. When a company conducts business with a sanctioned entity, it can face penalties. We should not be misled into believing that sanctions affect individuals only; their effects can extend to the wider economy,” he said. Cde Kandishaya also referred to the reported US$3.5 million penalty imposed on Barclays in connection with sanctions violations, using the example to illustrate the potential consequences for companies conducting transactions that breach applicable sanctions regulations. Turning to the historical background, Cde Kandishaya linked the imposition of sanctions around 2001 to Zimbabwe’s land reform programme, which sought to address colonial-era land ownership imbalances. He argued that although black Zimbabweans constituted the majority of the population, a disproportionate share of fertile agricultural land had historically been controlled by the white minority. He said many black families had been confined to communal & reserve areas, where access to productive land & secure title deeds was limited. Cde Kandishaya maintained that the land reform programme was necessary to achieve economic independence following the attainment of political independence in 1980. He said Zimbabwe needed to exercise control over its land & resources to ensure that the majority of citizens benefited from the country’s economic opportunities. The ZANU PF Youth League official also mentioned newly appointed Minister of Economic Development & Investment Promotion Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, arguing that his business interests had played a role in addressing fuel shortages through Sakunda Holdings. Cde Kandishaya said Sakunda had helped supply fuel during periods of shortages & argued that sanctions affecting businesses involved in strategic sectors could have wider implications for the economy. He also referred to the inclusion of Dr Tagwirei’s wife on sanctions lists in connection with the business interests he discussed. He further cited businessman Obey Chimuka, associated with the cement industry, arguing that the emergence of indigenous businesses had helped broaden participation in sectors he said had historically been dominated by white-owned companies. @edmnangagwa @KandishayaTaura @ApphiaNyaa @ChirauMel @MoeChanda