President and First Secretary of the ZANU PF, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa has cautioned businesses not to push him following the unwarranted price increases of goods during this 21 days lockdown. Some shops have been increasing prices willy-nilly at a time when demand is high but with little supply. The President this week engaged the business community to ensure that they understand what is occurring. “I am disappointed that some of the entities are taking advantage of this pandemic and are hiking prices. This is disappointing. I appeal to you to have a human face in the face of this pandemic. It is not necessary for you to push me to take measures against you,” Cde Mnangagwa said. “Fellow country men and women, may I take this opportunity to appeal to you for assistance in this critical time of our nation. We are indeed facing a life threatening pandemic which as I mentioned earlier requires unity of purpose and high level of patriotism from all of us.” President Mnangagwa later highlighted that:“Going forward, government and the business sector must work together to ensure we minimize the likelihood of shocks and lessen the magnitude of an economic downturn as a result of this pandemic. The wheels of industry must keep turning albeit at a slower pace, for the sake of our survival,” Cde Mnangagwa said. “Government has therefore largely left it to our business sector to determine how best to respond to the COVID19 menace, but within health and safety parameters set by our health experts. Adequate measures must be put in place to protect our workforce. I am pleased that some businesses have risen to the challenge, with many enterprises reducing their manning levels and where possible, encouraging sections of their workforce to operate from home. “In addition, some are organizing safe transport to and from work, fortifying the immunities of their workforce through the provision of vitamin supplements and ensuring safe, social distance at the workplaces. All these initiatives are applauded.”