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Press Release by LEAD President Linda Tsungirirai Masarira

LEAD President Response to the 2026 National Budget

Date: 27 November 2025

The Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) have reviewed the 2026 National Budget and present the following position:

*1. A Stability Budget That Fails the People*

While the budget is framed as pro-stability, it fails to address the daily hardships facing ordinary Zimbabweans. Stability without social justice is not progress. It is managed suffering.

*2. LEAD Welcomes Positive Milestones*

We acknowledge and endorse:
increased allocations to education, health, and youth empowerment;
stated commitments to disability inclusion;
focus on value addition, rural industrialisation and AfCFTA integration.
These elements align with LEAD’s alternative 2026 budget.

*3. VAT Increase is Anti-Poor*

Raising VAT to 15.5% directly increases the cost of living. LEAD condemns this decision as a regressive tax on low-income households.

*4. Health Budget Remains Inadequate*

At 10.5%, the health allocation remains far below the Abuja Declaration and insufficient for free basic healthcare, oncology, dialysis, drug rehabilitation, and mental health support.

*5. Social Protection Too Thin*

Allocating only 4.4% to social welfare can not protect vulnerable families, persons with disabilities, or elderly citizens in a high-cost economy.

*6. Labour Justice Ignored*

The wage-bill cap and recruitment freeze undermine service delivery and worsen labour exploitation in critical sectors. Workers remain underpaid while elite privileges remain untouched.

*7. Energy Crisis Not Addressed*

The budget lacks any large-scale investment in energy generation, grid rehabilitation or rural electrification threatening industrialisation and food security.

*8. Education Needs Rights-Based Implementation*

Higher allocations alone can not deliver justice. LEAD calls for implementation of free basic education, BEAM arrears clearance, disability-friendly schools, and improved teacher welfare.

Conclusion

The 2026 National Budget is not yet a people’s budget. It maintains macroeconomic stability while leaving households exposed, social services underfunded, and workers unprotected.

LEAD stands ready with a comprehensive, pro-people alternative budget rooted in equity, dignity, and inclusive national development.

Issued by:
Linda Tsungirirai Masarira
President, Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD)

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