Zimbabwe’s president has withdrawn an information ban on how the state procures medical and other supplies.
It followed an outcry after the government’s gazette – the official publication notifying the public about its actions and decisions – announced last Friday it was no longer going to make the information available.
Critics accused the government of fostering an environment that allowed corruption to flourish.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has now distanced himself from the controversial notice, saying it was placed without authorisation and the government was committed to transparency.
Though crossed wires appear to be at play.
Earlier on Wednesday, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana defended the ban, saying it was to allow the purchase of emergency supplies and critical equipment repairs without a long drawn procurement process.