Herbert Murerwa
Encyclopedia
Herbert Muchemwa Murerwa (born July 31, 1941) is a Zimbabwe
an politician. He served as the Minister of Finance in the Government of Zimbabwe from 1996 to 2000, from August 2002 to February 2004, and again from April 26, 2004 to February 6, 2007. He has been Minister of Lands and Land Resettlement since February 2009.
In a cabinet reshuffle on February 9, 2004, Murerwa was replaced as Finance Minister by his deputy, Christopher Kureneri, and was instead appointed as Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education. Following the arrest of Kureneri, Murerwa was additionally appointed as acting Finance Minister later in 2004. On April 16, 2005, he was formally appointed as Finance Minister again, leaving the post of Higher Education Minister; this followed the March 2005 parliamentary election, in which Murerwa was elected to the House of Assembly
from Goromonzi
constituency.
Murerwa engineered the historic repayment of USD $120 million (out of $300 million) in debt to the International Monetary Fund
(IMF), prior to their enforcement of a threat to expel Zimbabwe
from the IMF for nonpayment of arrears (August 31, 2005). Commenting on his country's accomplishment, he stated that it proved "that no one can write off Zimbabwe as yet" and that we "can still do things on our own." This repayment has put Zimbabwe in an excellent position to move forward on loan talks with neighbor South Africa
for a loan of between US$200 and US$500 million.
During his tenure Zimbabwe's economy shrunk by 30% between 2000 and 2004 following the seizure of about 4,500 white-owned commercial farms which sent agricultural production plummeting.
Inflation, at 164.3% in June 2005, increased to 254.8% in July 2005, creating a speed-bump on the road to the government's goal of bringing inflation down to 80% by year end. Murerwa recently presented a supplementary budget to pay wages, import food and build new housing, after admitting that targets for economic growth and inflation would be missed. Inflation was at 1193% in July 2006 making it the highest inflation rate in the world outside the war zones. Many people view Murerwa as the reason why the Zimbabwean economy has been taking a nose dive since the early 1990s due to his 'yes my lord' approach towards President Robert Mugabe
. This was aggravated by the fact that he opposed the currency reforms initiated by Gideon Gono
, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
director in August 2006. Before that Murerwa wanted to introduce $250,000 bearer cheque during the absence of Gono which would have fueled the inflation rate further only to be stopped by Mugabe.
During his Fiscal Policy Review on August 16, 2005 Murerwa said, "Bringing down inflation, initially to double digit, and ultimately to single digit levels remains our objective. The disinflation process will, however, not be smooth sailing. Addressing the prevailing high inflation challenges facing us demands that we all make sacrifices, with Ministries living within our economy's means. There will simply be no magic solutions to our challenges."
He also commented on corruption, saying it "negatively affects the social and moral fabric of the nation, encouraging indiscipline and rent seeking
behaviour – with the resultant hardships largely falling on the poor. It causes major costs to business activities and, hence, the introduction of various measures and institutions to decisively deal with this problem. In this regard, Government, in consultation with stakeholders, has announced the appointment of members of the Anti-Corruption Commission. Prohibitive penalties for corrupt practices are being considered, including the intensification of awareness campaigns of all existing Whistle Blower Funds. In the case of upholding the integrity of officers at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Government has initiated ongoing measures to nip all corrupt tendencies at border posts. Already, a number of criminal activities have been unearthed with several officers under investigation and prosecution. Similar exercises are being extended to other Government departments, including Immigration, VID, CMED, the Registrar General's Office."
As part of a much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle by President Robert Mugabe, Murerwa lost his cabinet post on February 6, 2007.
This followed a public spat with Reserve bank Governor Gideon Gono over fiscal policies. According to the Zimbabwe Times the Reserve Bank governor took the unprecedented step of attacking Murerwa in lengthy statements published in the government-owned press as advertisements. Mugabe appeared to side with Gono, leaving the minister exposed. Murerwa and Gono had apparently taken opposing views on the issue of payments made by the Reserve Bank for various services offered to the Government of Zimbabwe.
In a brief telephone conversation with The Times, Murerwa said that he did not want to make any comments over the issue of his departure from cabinet. "I do not want to comment. Why should I?" he asked before ending the conversation. It is thought that Muerwa may be keeping silent on the issue as he will be tapped to replace Stan Mudenge
as Tertiary Education minister. Mudenge, from southern Zimbabwe, is seriously ill and suffering from an undisclosed ailment.
Murerwa was nominated as ZANU-PF's candidate for the Senate
seat from Goromonzi
, in Mashonaland East
, in the March 2008 parliamentary election
. He narrowly won the seat according to official results, receiving 16,156 votes against 15,287 for Vincent Gwarazimba of the Movement for Democratic Change
-Tsvangirai faction and 4,560 for Marimo Cloudios of the MDC-Mutambara faction.
When the ZANU-PF–MDC national unity government
was sworn in on February 13, 2009, Murerwa became Minister of Lands and Land Resettlement.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia and a tip of Namibia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three...
an politician. He served as the Minister of Finance in the Government of Zimbabwe from 1996 to 2000, from August 2002 to February 2004, and again from April 26, 2004 to February 6, 2007. He has been Minister of Lands and Land Resettlement since February 2009.
In a cabinet reshuffle on February 9, 2004, Murerwa was replaced as Finance Minister by his deputy, Christopher Kureneri, and was instead appointed as Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education. Following the arrest of Kureneri, Murerwa was additionally appointed as acting Finance Minister later in 2004. On April 16, 2005, he was formally appointed as Finance Minister again, leaving the post of Higher Education Minister; this followed the March 2005 parliamentary election, in which Murerwa was elected to the House of Assembly
House of Assembly of Zimbabwe
The House of Assembly of Zimbabwe is the lower chamber of the country's bicameral Parliament. It was the unicameral legislative body from 1989 until late November 2005, when the Senate was re-introduced....
from Goromonzi
Goromonzi
Goromonzi is a rural community in Zimbabwe, southeast of the country's capital city of Harare. It covers an area of and has a population of 178,000. The people who live in the region are principally from the Shona tribe. The village serves as a trading centre for commercial, communal and...
constituency.
Murerwa engineered the historic repayment of USD $120 million (out of $300 million) in debt to the International Monetary Fund
International Monetary Fund
The International Monetary Fund is an organization of 187 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world...
(IMF), prior to their enforcement of a threat to expel Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia and a tip of Namibia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three...
from the IMF for nonpayment of arrears (August 31, 2005). Commenting on his country's accomplishment, he stated that it proved "that no one can write off Zimbabwe as yet" and that we "can still do things on our own." This repayment has put Zimbabwe in an excellent position to move forward on loan talks with neighbor South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
for a loan of between US$200 and US$500 million.
During his tenure Zimbabwe's economy shrunk by 30% between 2000 and 2004 following the seizure of about 4,500 white-owned commercial farms which sent agricultural production plummeting.
Inflation, at 164.3% in June 2005, increased to 254.8% in July 2005, creating a speed-bump on the road to the government's goal of bringing inflation down to 80% by year end. Murerwa recently presented a supplementary budget to pay wages, import food and build new housing, after admitting that targets for economic growth and inflation would be missed. Inflation was at 1193% in July 2006 making it the highest inflation rate in the world outside the war zones. Many people view Murerwa as the reason why the Zimbabwean economy has been taking a nose dive since the early 1990s due to his 'yes my lord' approach towards President Robert Mugabe
Robert Mugabe
Robert Gabriel Mugabe is the President of Zimbabwe. As one of the leaders of the liberation movement against white-minority rule, he was elected into power in 1980...
. This was aggravated by the fact that he opposed the currency reforms initiated by Gideon Gono
Gideon Gono
Gideon Gono is the current Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and former CEO of the Jewel Bank, formerly known as the Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe...
, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is the central bank of Zimbabwe.-History:The bank traces its history to the Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, founded in March 1956, which in turn was the successor to the Central Currency Board....
director in August 2006. Before that Murerwa wanted to introduce $250,000 bearer cheque during the absence of Gono which would have fueled the inflation rate further only to be stopped by Mugabe.
During his Fiscal Policy Review on August 16, 2005 Murerwa said, "Bringing down inflation, initially to double digit, and ultimately to single digit levels remains our objective. The disinflation process will, however, not be smooth sailing. Addressing the prevailing high inflation challenges facing us demands that we all make sacrifices, with Ministries living within our economy's means. There will simply be no magic solutions to our challenges."
He also commented on corruption, saying it "negatively affects the social and moral fabric of the nation, encouraging indiscipline and rent seeking
Rent seeking
In economics, rent-seeking is an attempt to derive economic rent by manipulating the social or political environment in which economic activities occur, rather than by adding value...
behaviour – with the resultant hardships largely falling on the poor. It causes major costs to business activities and, hence, the introduction of various measures and institutions to decisively deal with this problem. In this regard, Government, in consultation with stakeholders, has announced the appointment of members of the Anti-Corruption Commission. Prohibitive penalties for corrupt practices are being considered, including the intensification of awareness campaigns of all existing Whistle Blower Funds. In the case of upholding the integrity of officers at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Government has initiated ongoing measures to nip all corrupt tendencies at border posts. Already, a number of criminal activities have been unearthed with several officers under investigation and prosecution. Similar exercises are being extended to other Government departments, including Immigration, VID, CMED, the Registrar General's Office."
As part of a much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle by President Robert Mugabe, Murerwa lost his cabinet post on February 6, 2007.
This followed a public spat with Reserve bank Governor Gideon Gono over fiscal policies. According to the Zimbabwe Times the Reserve Bank governor took the unprecedented step of attacking Murerwa in lengthy statements published in the government-owned press as advertisements. Mugabe appeared to side with Gono, leaving the minister exposed. Murerwa and Gono had apparently taken opposing views on the issue of payments made by the Reserve Bank for various services offered to the Government of Zimbabwe.
In a brief telephone conversation with The Times, Murerwa said that he did not want to make any comments over the issue of his departure from cabinet. "I do not want to comment. Why should I?" he asked before ending the conversation. It is thought that Muerwa may be keeping silent on the issue as he will be tapped to replace Stan Mudenge
Stan Mudenge
Isaak Stanislaus Gorerazvo Mudenge is a Zimbabwean politician, currently serving as Minister of Higher Education. He was previously the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 2005....
as Tertiary Education minister. Mudenge, from southern Zimbabwe, is seriously ill and suffering from an undisclosed ailment.
Murerwa was nominated as ZANU-PF's candidate for the Senate
Senate of Zimbabwe
The Senate of Zimbabwe is the upper chamber of the country's bicameral Parliament. It existed from 1980 to 1989, and was re-introduced in November 2005....
seat from Goromonzi
Goromonzi
Goromonzi is a rural community in Zimbabwe, southeast of the country's capital city of Harare. It covers an area of and has a population of 178,000. The people who live in the region are principally from the Shona tribe. The village serves as a trading centre for commercial, communal and...
, in Mashonaland East
Mashonaland East
Mashonaland East is a province of Zimbabwe. It has an area of 32,230 km² and a population of approximately 1.1 million . Marondera is the capital of the province.-Districts:Mashonaland East is divided into eight districts:* Chikomba* Goromonzi...
, in the March 2008 parliamentary election
Zimbabwean parliamentary election, 2008
A parliamentary election was held in Zimbabwe on March 29, 2008 to elect members to both the House of Assembly and the Senate of the Zimbabwean parliament...
. He narrowly won the seat according to official results, receiving 16,156 votes against 15,287 for Vincent Gwarazimba of the Movement for Democratic Change
Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai
The Movement for Democratic Change Zimbabwe is a political party and the largest party in the House of Assembly of Zimbabwe. It is the main formation formed from the split of the original Movement for Democratic Change in 2005.-Foundation:...
-Tsvangirai faction and 4,560 for Marimo Cloudios of the MDC-Mutambara faction.
When the ZANU-PF–MDC national unity government
Zimbabwe Government of National Unity of 2009
The Government of National Unity refers to Zimbabwe's coalition government that was formed on 13 February 2009 following the inaugurations of Morgan Tsvangirai as Prime Minister and Thokozani Khuphe and Arthur Mutambara as Deputy Prime Ministers...
was sworn in on February 13, 2009, Murerwa became Minister of Lands and Land Resettlement.
Occupations
- Minister of International Trade and Technology– Government of Zimbabwe (2001-2002)
- Minister of Higher Education and Technology– Government of Zimbabwe (2000-2001)
- Minister of Finance– Government of Zimbabwe (1996-2000)
- Minister of Industry and Commerce– Government of Zimbabwe (1995-1996)
- Minister of Environment and Tourism– Government of Zimbabwe (1990-1995)
- High Commissioner to the UK– Government of Zimbabwe (1984-1990)
Education
- 1970, BA in Sociology, George Williams College, USA;
- 1972, Master's in Education, Harvard University, USA;
- 1978, Doctor of Education, Harvard University, USA.
Sources
- Mid-Term Fiscal Policy Review Statement, delivered 16 August 2005
- The Africa Centre, London