Govt rescinds controversial decree

Philemon Jambaya

The Office of the President has rescinded the Statutory Instrument published in the Government Gazette as general 635 of 2023 yesterday, Zim Now has learnt.

This follows public outcry over the matter with some critics arguing that government was trying to avoid public scrutiny and accountability.

“His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been made aware of some document gazzeted as General Noice 635 of 2023, purporting to place the procurement of certain goods outside public scrutiny on grounds of ‘national interest’. Upon further investigations, it has come to light that the so-called Government Gazetted Notice is a nullity, having been published without authorisation, and without the signature of the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet as is the norm.

https://zimbabwenow.co.zw/articles/4216/govt-bans-disclosure-on-procurement-of-selected-equipment

“While further investigations are underway, Government wishes to advise the public that, on the instruction of His Excellency the President, the document in question has been rescinded as it has no standing at law, in policy and in terms of set Government procedures. It thus should be disregarded,” reads part of the letter, which was duly signed by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda.

The statement further stresses government’s commitment to manage a transparent public procurement policy and process as dictated by Zimbabwean laws.