KEY POINTS
- Eddie Cross alleged over 85,000 Chinese nationals exploit Zimbabwe’s resources, sparking sharp criticism from ZANU PF.
- ZANU PF dismissed the claims as baseless, defending Chinese investments under Zimbabwe’s open-door policy.
- Cross accused Chinese firms of environmental harm and labour violations, fueling debate on Zimbabwe’s foreign investment policies.
Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU PF, has strongly criticized Eddie Cross, a noted economist and former member of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Monetary Policy Committee, over his controversial claims regarding Chinese nationals in the country.
In an article published on his website titled ‘‘What is the Chinese Motivation in Zimbabwe’’, Cross alleged that over 85,000 Chinese nationals reside in Zimbabwe, asserting that their primary aim is to exploit the country’s mineral resources before returning to China.
He further accused Chinese investors of transferring environmentally harmful industries to Africa to evade stricter regulations in their home country.
Cross linked these practices to the exploitation of Zimbabwe’s diamonds, claiming that approximately $30 billion worth of diamonds have been extracted from Marange since 2008, benefitting Chinese interests and senior military officials while leaving local communities impoverished.
ZANU PF rebuts allegations
Farai Marapira, ZANU PF’s Director of Information and Publicity, dismissed Cross’s claims as baseless and inflammatory. Marapira called the allegations xenophobic and accused Cross of undermining Zimbabwe’s economic progress.
“Eddie Cross’s assertions are riddled with falsehoods. He exaggerated the number of Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe, claiming 85,000 when the actual figure is closer to 25,000, mainly working in the mining sector,” said Marapira. “These individuals are here under the President’s open-door policy, which welcomes all legitimate investors.”
Marapira also rebuffed Cross’s claim that Zimbabwe holds untapped chrome deposits worth $100 trillion, describing it as unsubstantiated and implausible. “Cross’s figures on diamonds and chrome lack factual grounding and cannot be defended,” he added.
Environmental and labour concerns
Chinese investors in Zimbabwe have faced criticism for alleged environmental degradation, including deforestation, water pollution, and ecosystem destruction, as they prioritize extracting resources like gold, diamonds, and lithium. Concerns have also been raised about labour rights violations, including low wages, poor working conditions, and reports of abuse in some Chinese-operated facilities.
Marapira acknowledged the scrutiny but rejected the notion that Chinese investments harm the country. He urged Zimbabweans to focus on fostering partnerships that contribute to national development. “Zimbabwe must avoid xenophobic narratives and work constructively with all investors willing to advance our economy,” he said.
Broader implications
Cross’s remarks and the ensuing backlash have reignited debates about foreign investments in Zimbabwe, particularly regarding economic sovereignty, environmental sustainability, and labour rights. As Zimbabwe seeks to balance development and resource management, the discourse underscores the complexities of foreign partnerships and their impact on the nation’s growth trajectory.
While Cross’s claims have sparked widespread discussion, ZANU PF’s firm response reflects its commitment to defending its policies and partnerships, particularly with China, a key ally in Zimbabwe’s economic recovery efforts.
