Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe

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afrol News, 15 April - Depending on which side of the law one is, the so-called indigenisation law in Zimbabwe has been suspended. But, that is not according to President, Robert Mugabe: "Laws are made to be effected and not shelved."

Mr Mugabe has dismissed as false claims, statements that the black empowerment law which was supposed to be effective today, is no more, saying it is only being delayed for more technical cabinet consultations.

The opposition coalition member of government had announced yesterday that the controversial law had been suspended to allow more consultations and inclusion of views from all stakeholders.

This was seen as a desperate bid by the ailing Zimbabwean unity government to amass international support and show a humanitarian face in its economic recovery programme, but since President Mugabe's response, more doubts have been cast on any progress that could be achieved by the unity government formed last February.

The new law, would make it illegal for foreign companies, foreigners as well as Zimbabwean whites to own more than 49 percent or majority stake in companies operating in Zimbabwe, unless such companies are only valued at less than US$ 325,000.

The law, which was passed two years ago in President Mugabe's ZANU-PF dominated parliament is said to be a way of empowering indigenous Zimbabweans, that excludes the white minority, born and brought up in the same country.

The controversial law also follows on the farm seizures in Zimbabwe, which forced white farmers out of their land, a move that has largely been blamed to cause the economic crisis that sunk Zimbabwe to its lowest deep about two years ago.

Zimbabwe, which gained independence in 1980 from Britain, was once Southern Africa's economic hub, but has since relegated itself to a mere economic shame and begging nation, after years of ill-advised economic and political policies.

Refusal by President Mugabe to step down even after an impressive challenge by the opposition, saw the country plunge further to a hyperinflation never seen before and a humanitarian crisis that caught the world's attention.

By staff writer

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