Gono 'lobbied' Mugabe against new RBZ boss, claim

FORMER Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor Gideon Gono has denied claims by a Cabinet minister and Zanu PF politburo member that he tried to block the appointment of John Mangudya as his replacement.

The minister told NewZimbabwe.com that Gono actively lobbied President Robert Mugabe against appointing Mangudya and urged the Zanu PF leader to promote his former deputy, Charity Dhliwayo, instead.

Gono and Mangudya bitterly fell-out over the accounts of the First Family's dairy business at CBZ bank, the minister added.

Gono however dismissed the allegations as lies.

Mangudya, currently chief executive of CBZ Holdings, was confirmed as the new central bank head by Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa at the weekend, replacing Gono who retired last November after ten years at the helm of the apex bank.

Gono, who worked with Mangudya at CBZ before moving to the central bank in 2003, congratulated his former protg saying: He (Mangudya) is one man I know will be equal to the task and challenges ahead.

He obviously will find both deputy governors Dr Charity Dhliwayo and Dr Kupukile Mlambo incredible pillars of support technically and experience wise, together with the dedicated team of professionals I left behind.

I join all my predecessors in welcoming Dr Mangudya aboard the community of governors.

However, the Cabinet minister, who asked not to be named, said Gonos apparent delight for Mangudya was just smoke and mirrors and an attempt to cover his deep disappointment with the development.

Gono, who has been nominated for the Senate by Zanu PFs Manicaland province, is said to be eyeing the Finance Ministry, supposedly banking on his reputed close ties to Mugabe as a former banker and financial advisor to the First Family.

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Gono 'lobbied' Mugabe against new RBZ boss, claim