Staff Reporter
Zimbabweans are pressing Durban University of Technology lecturer and economist Professor Gift Mugano to clarify his political allegiance openly, accusing him of cloaking an opposition agenda under the guise of economic commentary.

This comes after Professor Mugano, known for his biased critiques of government policies, publicly declared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle yesterday that he considers himself “a disciple of former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa.”
Professor Mugano’s admission has sparked significant backlash, with numerous Zimbabweans urging him to step into the political arena directly if he wishes to support the opposition openly, rather than maintaining the image of an objective economic commentator.
Critics argue that Professor Mugano’s critiques have long appeared to align with opposition rhetoric, fuelling distrust and dissatisfaction toward the government, which many now see as part of a broader agenda.
One response, echoed by multiple users, accused Professor Mugano of consistently portraying government initiatives in a negative light to sway public opinion.
“We have known for a while now that your so-called economic commentary was nothing but a smokescreen for your political biases. You discredit every government effort, not as an impartial observer, but as someone deliberately trying to erode public trust in the government so that people turn to Chamisa instead,” wrote Tawanda Sibanda, a frequent political commentator on X.
Others went further, urging Professor Mugano to abandon his academic role and formally enter politics if he intends to engage in political advocacy.
“If you truly believe in Chamisa’s vision, you should enter the political ring rather than masquerading as an economic expert. Hiding behind your title only undermines the credibility of your arguments,” wrote social commentator Alice Mhlanga.
The criticism also extended to Professor Mugano’s tone and style, with some accusing him of sensationalism.
Critics claim that Professor Mugano’s statements often veer into alarmist territory, creating unnecessary public anxiety about the state of the economy. “Mugano has always been a sensationalist, exaggerating issues to make people panic and distrust the government. He is not informing the public but stirring up fear and resentment for his own agenda,” commented Tendai Ncube.
Another X user labelled Professor Mugano a “foot soldier” for regime change, calling his commentary a thinly veiled attempt to undermine the government.
“Mugano’s words should be taken with a pinch of salt. He is a foot soldier for the regime change agenda, not an impartial economist. We see through his attempts to sway public opinion against the government under the pretence of analysis,” posted Patrick Mandaza.
Professor Mugano’s recent posts follow a series of critical assessments of Zimbabwe’s economic policies, often portraying them as ineffective or detrimental to the populace.
While Professor Mugano maintains his stance as an economic analyst, his critics claim these views reveal a consistent pattern of opposition bias that has now culminated in his public alignment with Chamisa, the former opposition leader.