Zimbabwe's central bank chief barred from UK

Zimbabwe's central bank chief barred from UK

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By Lebo Nkatazo

ZIMBABWE’S central bank governor Gideon Gono has been barred from entering the United Kingdom, a week after Australia gave his three children studying there five days to leave.

Rejecting Gono’s visa application, the UK government said he had been involved in “corrupt practices (that have) undermined democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe" and the visit would give him “a platform to justify your actions”.

Gono’s visa application was turned down on August 17, and it is not known what the nature of his business was in the UK, state media reported.

Gono last visited the UK in 2005, promoting a new government scheme called Homelink, which allowed people to buy properties and transfer money to Zimbabwe through official channels.

The UK Home Office told Gono in a letter: “In July 2004 you visited the UK to encourage the Zimbabwean Diaspora to use the Zimbabwe Government’s Homelink plan to remit foreign currency to their family and friends in Zimbabwe through the RBZ.

"Your presence led to public protests in London, Luton, and Birmingham by angry crowds who accused you of trying to raise money to support (President) Robert Mugabe’s collapsing regime.

"Any future admission of you to the UK may lead again to an increase in community tension.”

The Home Office charged that Gono printed money and put his signature on the notes, standard practice for any central bank governor, for government operations covering ministries like Home Affairs, Defence and the President’s Office.

Some of the funds, they alleged, were used to suppress opposition activities.

"The Home Secretary, therefore, considers that it would not be appropriate to allow you the privilege of entering the UK where you would enjoy a platform to justify your actions.

"Furthermore, allowing you to enter the UK could be seen as condoning your actions and to give them credibility."

The decision would be reviewed after three years.

Last week, Australia began moves to deport Gono’s three children -- who are on a list of eight -- studying in Australian universities. The Australian government said the eight students had links to Zimbabwe government officials, admitting that they were paying “for the sins of their fathers”.

The students were given five days to pack up and leave.
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