HARARE, Apr. 16 (NewsDay Live) – Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion minister Mthuli Ncube has drawn sharp criticism after urging Zimbabweans to drive less in response to rising fuel prices, with many describing the remarks as out of touch.
The comments, shared by NewsDay Zimbabwe on social media, triggered a wave of backlash from citizens already struggling with high transport costs and a rising cost of living.
“We are not even driving already. What does he think we are cutting down from?” one user posted.
Others accused authorities of being detached from everyday realities, saying most Zimbabweans depend on transport to earn a living.
“These people live in another world. They don’t feel what we feel,” another commenter said.
Fuel prices in Zimbabwe remain among the highest in the region, with petrol and diesel both above US$2 per litre, intensifying pressure on household incomes.
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Some users warned that reduced mobility would hurt productivity and livelihoods.
“If we don’t move, we don’t work. If we don’t work, we don’t eat,” one comment read.
“So we must walk to work now? Maybe next they will tell us to stop eating,” another added.
A minority supported calls for reduced fuel use but stressed the need for broader economic reforms.
“People can cut down, yes, but government must also fix the economy,” a user said.
The backlash underscores growing frustration over living costs, with social media increasingly serving as an outlet for public discontent over economic policy.