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Simba Makoni


Africa, Zimbabwe

Simba Makoni is running as an independent in Zimbabwe's 2008 presidential election. He previously has served as minister of finance and economic development.

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Created: 20th Mar 2008

Modified: 3rd Jul 2008

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Professional Information: ( edit )

Professional Areas/Sectors: Other Position:  Presidential Candidate
Additional Professional Details:  Politician
Working primarily in:  Africa, Zimbabwe

Description of Work:  Simba Makoni announced on February 5, 2008 that he was challenging President Robert Mugabe in March's presidential election. Until his announcement, he was a member of the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF). Makoni had previously served as minister of finance and was a member of Zanu PF's politiburo.

In announcing his candidacy, Makoni said, "I share the agony and anguish of all citizens over the extreme hardships that we all have endured for nearly 10 years now... I also share the widely held view that these hardships are a result of failure of national leadership and that change at that level is a pre-requisite for change at other levels of national endeavour."

Immediately, the state apparatus lashed out at Makoni. He was expelled from the party, and the Herald newspaper accused him of being exclusively supported by the west. Mugabe described him as "absolutely disgraceful," and compared him to a prostitute.

He was also accused of being used by the ruling party to split the opposition vote.

Makoni has received the endorsement of Arthur Mutambara, who is the leader of a prominent part of Zimbabwe's opposition movement.

Makoni was born in 1950, educated as a chemist, and has served in government off and on since 1980. He served as finance minister from 2000 to 2002.


Biographical Information: ( edit )

Simba Makoni
(At a Glance)

Interests: Chemistry, Business, Farming, Politics
Place of Origin: Zimbabwe


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Simba Makoni

Simba Makoni is running as an independent in Zimbabwe's 2008 presidential election. He previously has served as minister of finance and economic development.


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