The Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) party has sharply criticised the mid-term fiscal policy review presented by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, saying it fails to address the daily struggles faced by ordinary Zimbabweans.
In a statement released by LEAD President Linda Tsungirirai Masarira, the party expressed concern over what it described as a lack of pro-people priorities in the budget. “While elements of the budget reflect an effort toward macroeconomic stability, LEAD is gravely concerned about the continued lack of fiscal focus on people’s welfare,” Masarira said.
LEAD highlighted several key areas where the budget fell short. The party pointed to the absence of direct social protection measures for vulnerable groups such as the unemployed, informal traders, pensioners, and the working poor. “Zimbabweans are struggling to access healthcare, education, transport, and housing. The budget makes no bold move to correct this,” the statement read.
The party also criticised the continued suppression of wages for civil servants, particularly teachers, nurses, and junior doctors. According to LEAD, these essential workers remain underpaid and their dignity is not being restored. “It is both dishonest and unjust to speak of fiscal consolidation while those powering public service delivery remain in poverty,” said Masarira.
Agriculture was another area of concern. LEAD said the bulk of budget allocations for agriculture remain focused on command schemes and input programs that have previously suffered from elite capture and corruption. The party stated there were no strong support mechanisms for smallholder farmers or rural value-chain development.
Masarira also criticised the government’s celebration of budget surpluses while millions face hunger. “Minister Ncube continues to boast of fiscal surpluses while 7.6 million Zimbabweans face hunger. A budget surplus in the face of mass suffering is morally indefensible,” she stated.
Despite these criticisms, LEAD acknowledged some positives in the budget. The party commended continued investment in infrastructure development, particularly road construction, dam rehabilitation, and energy projects. However, Masarira emphasised the need for transparency and monitoring to prevent corruption.
The party also welcomed efforts to broaden the tax base and modernise tax systems. Digitisation within the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and plans to reduce illicit financial flows were seen as positive developments, provided they are implemented honestly.
Support for manufacturing and SMEs was also noted, but LEAD warned that these measures would be ineffective unless power shortages, high business costs, and access to foreign currency were addressed. “Without these foundations, support for SMEs will remain tokenistic,” Masarira said.
LEAD raised questions about the lack of pro-poor priorities such as free basic healthcare, menstrual dignity programs, school feeding schemes, and support for people living with disabilities. “These are low-cost, high-impact programs that should be in any people-centered budget,” she said.
The statement also called for clarity on public debt. With growing concerns over Zimbabwe’s rising debt, LEAD demanded more transparency around debt restructuring negotiations and the potential long-term effects on future generations.
The party expressed concern over the continued lack of confidence in the ZiG currency. According to LEAD, the budget failed to offer a contingency plan should the new currency fail to stabilise. “Is the government ready to take responsibility for the consequences of this monetary gamble?” Masarira asked.
LEAD also criticised the budget’s silence on youth employment, drug abuse, and the lack of funding for vocational training or rehabilitation centres. The party stressed that urgent economic measures are needed to address the crisis facing young people.
In addition, LEAD questioned the lack of meaningful investment in climate-smart agriculture and food security. The party said that with erratic rainfall and other climate shocks, the government should be investing more in grain reserves, solar-powered irrigation, and resilience planning.
Masarira said the budget lacked bold measures to address structural poverty. “Economic growth without human development is a hollow success,” she said. LEAD called for a citizen-centered budget that reflects the needs and dignity of all Zimbabweans.
