Obert Masaraure, president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), has urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to address key national concerns in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA). Masaraure emphasized the need for a clear plan to tackle corruption, recover stolen public funds, release political prisoners, and uphold constitutional rights.
The SONA will take place amid Zimbabwe’s ongoing challenges, including a currency crisis, high living costs, and widespread hunger. Speaking to NewsDay, Masaraure stated that the address should focus on:
– Addressing the current levels of corruption and its impact on the nation
– Removing political interference in the anti-corruption fight
– Recovering assets acquired through corrupt means
– Strengthening state institutions to impartially handle corruption cases
He also highlighted the importance of ensuring judicial independence, ending police brutality, and repealing repressive laws, alongside promoting democratic processes.
Mnangagwa will open the Second Session of the 10th Parliament today, outlining the government’s legislative priorities during his address to the National Assembly and Senate.
Recently, the government was forced to devalue the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, which had been in circulation for just five months, due to its rapid decline against major currencies. This move, reminiscent of the 2008 economic crisis, has further impacted wages and business profits.
