Prominent economist and former opposition figure Edward G. Cross has sparked national controversy following corruption allegations he made against the First Family during a televised interview with a South African broadcaster on March 31.
Cross claimed that widespread dissatisfaction over rampant corruption—some of it allegedly linked to the President’s family—was a contributing factor to the nationwide stay-away protest that same day.
The statement has ignited a firestorm, drawing a sharp rebuke from Information Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere, who accused Cross of “spreading defamatory diabolical falsehoods” and called him “an unrepentant person with imperialist residue.”
“Eddie Cross must carry his cross,” said Muswere. “The excitable two-faced charlatan masquerading as a fountain of knowledge has exposed his Rhodesian chameleon character. While Zimbabwe is open to all ideas for nation-building, we have taken interest in his colonial residue and the belief that no Zimbabwean can succeed without his assistance.”
In response to the backlash, Cross issued a press statement dated April 5, in which he clarified the events that unfolded following his remarks. According to the statement, he met with the President the day after the interview and apologized for involving the President’s family, describing the move as inappropriate. Cross said the President asked him to substantiate his general claims of corruption, and he agreed to compile a dossier.
On Wednesday, Cross said he returned to State House and met with the three sons he had implicated. However, he admitted he could not provide firm evidence to back the allegations.
“I again apologized and said I would withdraw my statement on this matter,” Cross wrote.
Despite the apology and partial retraction, the issue continues to generate strong reactions across the political spectrum, with some critics accusing Cross of attempting to destabilize the country using unverified information, while his supporters argue he raised legitimate concerns about the country’s ongoing struggle with corruption.
Government officials maintain that the administration has zero tolerance for corruption and has made significant strides in tackling graft.
