Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube is set to present his mid-term budget statement in Harare on Thursday, at a time when most Zimbabweans are battling crippling economic hardship, skyrocketing prices, and stagnant incomes.
While businesses, workers’ unions, and consumer groups expressed cautious optimism ahead of the budget, hoping for relief from the economic squeeze, analysts were quick to pour cold water on any such expectations.
Many have urged Ncube to address the plight of ordinary citizens and slash the overwhelming tax burden choking companies if the country is to see any meaningful economic recovery.
However, prominent Masvingo-based political analyst Jeffryson Chitando said Zimbabweans should brace for more of the same — elaborate presentations with no substance or impact on the ground.
“We’ve seen this script before,” Chitando said. “Minister Ncube will walk into Parliament with polished slides and glowing projections, but at the end of the day, it’s all just recycled rhetoric with no real relief for the poor or working class.”
He dismissed the budget statement as a predictable exercise in political theatre.
“Zimbabweans are tired of these mid-term statements that do not translate to bread on the table. People want action — reduced prices, affordable transport, decent wages — not PowerPoint promises,” Chitando added.
This year’s mid-term review comes against the backdrop of record inflation, a volatile exchange rate, and waning public confidence in the government’s economic roadmap.
Consumer watchdogs and trade unions have called on Ncube to urgently address the skyrocketing cost of living and reduce excessive taxes which, they argue, are stifling productivity and weakening consumer demand.
“Companies are being suffocated by taxes.
Households are collapsing under the weight of price hikes. If this budget doesn’t bring direct, measurable interventions, then it’s a missed opportunity,” Chitando warned.
Source: Zimeye
