Copyright zimeye
By A Correspondent HARARE – Honourable Corban Madzivanyika, MP for Mbizo Constituency, has condemned President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on Tuesday, 25 October 2025, describing it as hollow, lifeless, and disconnected from the country’s realities. Speaking on the address, Madzivanyika said: “The State of the Nation Address, as highlighted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa today, to me, is the same old rhetoric. It was hollow and lifeless, to say the very least.” He criticised the President’s focus on sanctions, saying: “It is common knowledge that all EU sanctions were removed. The only sanctions are on Mnangagwa himself due to corruption. Mnangagwa is on sanctions, Mnangagwa is not Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe is not Mnangagwa. The sanctions propaganda is now tired.” On social welfare programs, the MP noted: “He spoke of social safety nets; he talked about Pfumbudza and BEAM, saying we are doing well… It is common knowledge that the bulk of Pfumbudza is being stolen by Zanu PF. The supposed beneficiaries are getting only a cup. BEAM—government owes 92 billion to BEAM. There is nothing on the ground.” Madzivanyika also questioned infrastructure projects: “Construction of silos across the country—how much do those silos cost? The same silos with the same structure were constructed in Zambia and Mozambique. We can’t say we are doing well while stealing from the same countries.” He highlighted the ongoing electricity challenges, saying: “We spend the bulk of our time in darkness. He talked about independent power producers… they need assurance from government; they need assurance, so we can’t expect improvement in the country. Solar accessories are still liable to duty. Make sure solar accessories are duty-free.” The MP also raised concerns over mining and land degradation: “He appeared concerned on paper, saying some miners are degrading our land. It is the President himself, and ZIDA, that allowed mining on our sacred land. They gave the miners authority to mine on sacred land. Mnangagwa is shedding tears on the issue.” On governance and debt, Madzivanyika said: “The President went on to highlight issues of infrastructure. The President is not sincere. For you to do long-term development, Zimbabwe owes 12 billion to international creditors. Structural dialogue platforms—government is not interested. Government is negotiating in bad faith. The governance pillar requires government to ensure that there is a free and fair election. Persistent abuse of human rights, detention of political opponents—we will not get funding.” He further criticised the state of healthcare in the country: “The President came to talk about making strides in the health sector. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry can see that there is a serious health crisis. No medication, no vital medication—not even antibiotics—only a nurse writing a prescription for you. The health system has crumbled beyond reasonable doubt. You will not find ventilators. Go to any rural clinic.” Summarising his view on the SONA, Madzivanyika said: “The SONA—it was a mere talk show, empty rhetoric, meaningless. So, by and large, the State of the Nation Address did not address anything. Same old rhetoric, purely—it did not inspire confidence, nothing to do with the problems the country is facing.”
