By a Correspondent
The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has publicly reaffirmed its support for its national chairman Tafadzwa Musarara amid growing criticism following the association’s legal challenge against Statutory Instrument (SI) 87 of 2025, which introduced levies on imported grains and oilseeds.
In a statement issued by GMAZ National Executive Committee spokesperson Adolf Chirimuuta, the association said Musarara’s actions and public positions were undertaken with the full backing of its membership and in line with resolutions reached through established governance structures.
“The Chairman of the Board, Dr Tafadzwa Musarara, has at all times acted on behalf of the Association’s membership and under a full mandate derived from extensive consultations conducted across the membership base,” Chirimuuta said. “The position taken and actions undertaken by the Chairman reflect the collective views and resolutions of members nationwide. GMAZ solidly stands behind our Chairman.”
The statement comes as Musarara faces criticism from some quarters, including commentators who have questioned his opposition to the levy regime and allegations that his stance is influenced by interests linked to grain imports.
GMAZ, however, maintained that its challenge to SI 87 of 2025 represents the position of the association as a whole rather than that of an individual. The association recently approached the High Court seeking the nullification of the statutory instrument, arguing that the levies imposed on imported wheat, maize, soya beans and related products are unconstitutional, unlawful and likely to increase the cost of basic food commodities.
Among other concerns, GMAZ contends that the levies will push up prices of staple foods such as mealie meal, flour and bread, while also placing additional burdens on millers and stockfeed manufacturers. The association further argues that the regulations were introduced without adequate consultation with affected stakeholders and that some provisions exceed powers granted under the Agricultural Marketing Authority Act.
Government has defended the policy as part of broader efforts to support local agricultural production, reduce reliance on imports and strengthen domestic value chains.
The legal challenge, however, suffered an early setback after the High Court ruled that the matter was not urgent, meaning it will proceed through the normal court process rather than being heard on an expedited basis. GMAZ declined to comment further on the merits of the case, citing the ongoing court proceedings.
“As the matter in question is currently before the courts, GMAZ considers it inappropriate to comment further at this stage. The Association respects the judicial process and will allow the courts to determine the issues before them without interference or prejudice,” Chirimuuta said.
The outcome of the case is expected to be closely watched by millers, farmers, consumers and policymakers, given its potential implications for food prices, agricultural production and Zimbabwe’s grain import framework.
