Most of us know that Zimbabwe is in serious economic and political trouble. It is only from reading expert analysis that one can start to comprehend the seriousness of our situation. Tony Hawkins a prominent Zimbabwean economic analyst is one suck expert.
“Countries forced into dollarisation usually find it impossible to de-dollarise and Zimbabwe's mid-year efforts to do so adds another country to the long list of those that tried and failed,” wrote Hawkins in Bulawayo 24.
“Government is unlikely to acknowledge this, but the facts speak for themselves. Finance minister Mthuli Ncube's so-called austerity programme is in tatters and, to all intents and purposes, abandoned.”
This is the microcosms story of Zimbabwe - a government pursuing voodoo economic policies; the imposition of austerity programmes, which have causing great economic suffering with no gain and, worst of all, those responsible for the tragic mess are not democratic accountability to those on the coal face.
“The hard reality, which the authorities refuse to acknowledge, is that the US dollar is the currency of choice, regardless of what a government - prone to eccentric interpretations of the concept of legality - decrees is legal tender,” explained Hawkins.
“In this situation, restoring confidence in the local currency may turn out to be impossible without an international bailout, which is unlikely, without an equally improbable major shift in the political climate.”
Zimbabwe is in this economic mess with unemployment a nauseating 90%, basic services such as health care all but collapse because of the 39 years of gross mismanagement and rampant corruption. The country used grow enough food to feed its people with plenty left over for export. We used to be the bread basket of the region; not anymore.
Since 2000, Zanu PF started seizing the farms to give to party loyalists, mostly, triggering the collapse of the agricultural sectors and with it the economy. We are starving in a country which, for all practical purposes, the Biblical Garden of Eden because of the chronic waste of the country’s human and material resource. Such is the damning testimonial of Zimbabwe’s bad governance.
Zimbabwe is a pariah state ruled by corrupt, incompetent and murderous Zanu PF tyrants who have enjoyed absolute political power these last 39 years and counting because they rig elections. And as long as They do not listen to advice and hence the reason why the country has followed these voodoo economic policies that have dragged the nation deeper and deeper into the abyss. And as long as Zimbabwe remains a pariah state, there will be no hope of meaningful economic recovery. None!
End Zimbabwe’s pariah state is the improbable political shift Tony Hawkins is talking about.
In 2017 President Mnangagwa promised to hold free, fair and credible elections; if he had honoured his promise, that would have been the plate tectonic political shift. He and his Zanu PF cronies went on to blatantly rig the 2018 elections, confirming that Zimbabwe was still a pariah state and all talk of “new dispensation”, “Second (Democratic) Republic”, etc. is just hot air!
Zimbabwe has had many opportunities to implement the democratic reforms and stop Zanu PF rigging elections. The best opportunities being during the 2008 to 2013 GNU when all Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC friends had to do was implement the raft of reforms Zanu PF had agreed to in the 2008 Global Political Agreement. MDC failed to get even one reform implemented in five years. Not even one!
Zanu PF rigged last year’s elections and, per se, the regime has no democratic mandate, it is illegitimate. The EU, Americans, Commonwealth and all the other election observers with any democratic credentials have all dismissed the elections as a farce. The pressure should have been brought to bear on Zanu PF to step down. Sadly, that effort has been undermined by MDC!
By participating in the flawed and illegal elections MDC have given the illegitimate Zanu PF regime some modicum of credibility. What makes this even more irritating is that MDC leaders knew this too!
“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the (2013) elections,” admitted David Coltart in his book. He is an MDC senator and the party’s Treasurer.
“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”
So it is bad enough that MDC leaders have sold-out in failing to implement even one meaningful democratic reform but, to add insult to injury, they are the ones now giving the illegitimate Zanu PF regime credibility! But, what makes it near impossible to get the reforms implemented is that the majority of ordinary Zimbabweans still fail to see MDC leaders’ treasonous duplicity and betrayal, even with the benefit of all the evidence of these leaders’ breath-taking corruption and incompetence.
By the late 1980s, it has been clear that Zanu PF leaders were corrupt and incompetent and that they were dragging the nation into economic ruins. To this day, the nation has done little to remove Zanu PF from office because the nation, conscientious or otherwise, accept Zanu PF was the only party to rule the nation.
All the nation’s efforts to saving the nation from economic ruins were done in the context of Zanu PF as the party of government. Zimbabwe is a de facto one-party dictatorship in which the only acceptable election result was a Zanu PF victory.
After 39 years of trying to make the dictatorship work it is now clear that we are just wasting our time and resources; there will be no meaningful economic recovery without meaningful political change.
We, the people of Zimbabwe, must grasp the nettle and tell Zanu PF in, no uncertain terms, that we demand the full restoration of the individual freedoms and rights including the right to free, fair and credible elections. This illegitimate Zanu PF regime must step down to allowing the political space to appoint an interim administration that will implement the democratic reforms.
The people of Zimbabwe must also wake up to the reality that MDC snow running with the hare but hunting with the hounds.
Whilst many Zimbabweans have accepted that Zanu PF has failed to govern, many of them have not had the courage to demand that the party should be removed from office. Zimbabwe Christian Heads of Denominations (ZCHOD) recently called for the formation of a GNU in which Zanu PF was to remain the principle player.
Many Zimbabweans have been brainwashed into believing no other political body can rule Zimbabwe other than Zanu PF; even with all the mountain of evidence proving the party is corrupt, incompetent, vote rigging and murderous oppression. The greatest obstacle to meaningful political change is not Zanu PF but the naive and gullible people themselves!
10 comments:
The situation in Zimbabwe is unravelling fast and those of us who can see further the tip of our nose must do something about it before it is too late.
We need to put a team of individuals who can articulate the way forward. Can you give the name of 10 or so people you think do this? Thanks.
the outcome of two by-elections held in Zimbabwe last week was similarly instructive after the pulverisation of the ruling Zanu PF forecast by some sections of the media did not happen, but, in fact, the complete opposite emerged.
Before the by-elections, MDC secretary for elections Jacob Mafume was cocksure that the polls would be a walkover for his party; that they were merely going through the motions because victory was certain.
MDC leaders know that Zanu PF will rig the elections and win the 2/3 majority but will also give away a few gravy train seats to the opposition as bait, it is these they are after. These opposition leaders know that by participating they give the flawed and illegal elections credibility, David Coltart has admitted this in his book.
“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the (2013) elections,” admitted David Coltart.
“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”
However the opposition leaders have to keep up the pretence that they are going to win the elections with a land slide victory to earn their own credibility as the opposition. As long as there are Zimbabweans naive and gullible enough to to see that MDC leaders are now running with povo whilst hunting with the Zanu PF hounds Zimbabwe will never ever have free, fair and credible elections. Never ever!
Zimbabwe has adopted one austerity programme after another in the last 40 years and it is sad to note that all these programmes have brought about the economic hardship without any of the economic gains. It is sad to notice that this Zanu PF's de-dollarisation and austerity policies and now in tatters after causing untold economic hardships.
The country is never going to get out of these endless cycles of poverty and despair as long as the people are stuck with this Zanu PF dictatorship.
Mnangagwa give Grace Mugabe and Bona title deeds to the mansions!
Zanu PF thugs have robbed the nation blind to allow these thugs and their descendants to keep the looted wealth will be criminal!
Mupfumira, who was charged with criminal abuse of office involving the alleged theft of US$95 million, is awaiting trial after spending over a month in remand prison.
Vela, however, in the court papers argues that the audit was heavily biased as it seemed to be targeting certain people while ignoring others.
He said some of the documents he gave to the auditors were ignored, which showed that they were following ‘a certain script. ‘
Vela said Mupfumira's successor Patronella Kagonye's activities were not exposed by the auditors despite evidence being made available to BDO Zimbabwe during the audit.
"I must point out that the report makes no mention of the fact that minister Kagonye forced NSSA to ‘sponsor' to the tune of USD$ 200 000 a disability conference in her Caledonia constituency and a futher sum of USD$200 000 to a school in Ruwa immediately prior to the July 2018 elections," he said in the affidavit.
"Involved in this were the minister Kagonye, the permanent secretary Ngoni Masoka and then principal director now permanent secretary in the ministry of Public Service , Labour and social welfare.
Those who have said this Zanu PF regime can stamp out corruption have been proven wrong again and again and this is just one such proof. Corruption is rampant in Zanu PF and we cannot expect the corrupt to investigate and punish themselves!
@ Nyamugure
“I agree with you somewhat.
We now have a voting generation that believes the current economic, social and political status quo is what it ever can be. The belief builds up as a result of continuous deprivation of better standards, propaganda and lack of exposure.
The use of USD is not sustainable because there is no linear relationship between its production and consumption. Internal and external economic and political factors have a hand in this skewed economic cycle. The economic growth foundation has been destroyed because we have an exposure starved generation that is going behind the wheel of economic and political development.
You have mentioned corruption on both political and economic field. That’s the problem we have – no one is willing to forgo immediate benefit within reach for one to come maybe in future. There again we are at fault for propping corruption. For corruption to prevail there must be two parties to it – a servant dancing to the dictates of the master. The servant has to dance to tune played by the master to make ends meet for today today.
You claim MDC is visibly corrupt – nothing has met my eye yet – maybe you are privileged to see further than my naked eye.”
I do agree that we, the people of Zimbabwe, have not done enough to fight corruption. Billions and billions of dollars every year have been wasted on corruption whilst millions of ordinary suffer and die in dumb anguish. Corruption has been going on for the last 39 years and the consequences of the criminal waste of human and material resources is simply unforgivable.
As for MDC being corrupt, incompetent and sell-outs, the mountain of evidence speaks volumes. MDC celebrated their 20th anniversary this year and yet they have nothing to show for it. MDC has failed to implement even one democratic change in 20 years.
To add insult insult to injury MDC is now propping this illegitimate Zanu PF by participating in flawed and illegal elections. I ask you to read David Coltart’s admission above and hear it from the horse’s own mouth.
Spendthrift President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has reportedly bought an exquisite massive beachfront villa in Dubai, where he intends to retire or alternatively use the opulent property as an exile bolthole should he be forced out of power by another unavoidable military coup, Spotlight Zimbabwe reported.
Mnangagwa, is allegedly plotting to disappear from the country into exile once toppled from power by the army or his own ruling Zanu PF party by June 2020, high level sources in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) have revealed.
The multi-million villa, whose actual price has been kept a close guarded secret is situated in Palm Jumeirah island, which is the world's largest man-made island comprising of a two kilometre long trunk, a crown made up of 17 fronds and a surrounding crescent.
The country is suffering a serious economic meltdown millions of people have no medicine, fuel, food, etc. because there is no foreign currency and yet Mnangagwa is spending millions buying villas, mansions, flying around in expensive jets, etc. It is no wonder these Zanu PF thugs have been rigging elections because they know they will never hang on to the looted wealth if the lost elections.
We must step up our demands for this illegitimate regime to step down -we need to put an end to this madness.
When inflation is 300% any wage increase below the inflation rate is a salary cut. When your salary is already US$ 40 per month in a country whose poverty datum line is US$650 per month you certain cannot afford a pay cut!
@ Tony Hawkins
"In US dollars, deposits are worth 60% less than they were nine years ago. Further value destruction waits in the wings. Notwithstanding such numbers, Finance minister Ncube and his apologists still predict upper middle-income status by 2030. Economies do not grow without investment and the decimation of domestic savings twice within 20 years ensures that this target will not be met by some distance. The authorities believe that foreign savers, lenders and investors, along with the diaspora – denied the vote – will miraculously rescue the country," you said.
The Zimbabwe economy is in total meltdown and instead of admitting it and doing something it Zanu PF is burying its head in the sand and continue dragging the nation down the same ruinous path. If the people had the political power to hold this regime to account they would force the regime to change course or replace it with a more competent one. The people have no political power to do either and hence the reason why we are stuck.
The need for Zimbabwe to put right its dysfunctional political system has never been more urgent than it is now. Zimbabwe's economic meltdown has pushed the nation right up to the edge of the abyss. Zanu PF must be stopped from dragging the nation over the edge and the only sure way to do so is by implementing the democratic reforms to ensure free, fair and credible elections and good governance.
@ Nyamugure
“We are merely stating the obvious – we are the cowards – we criticise and weaken the one who has stood from our midst to square up (I say WE obviously pulling a punch here and sound less vitriolic). We should be cheering at every trickery or blow they throw however feeble it may look,” you say.
“You mention pinning hopes on SADC – have we not been there.
“You say MDC fell for the ‘poisoned chalice’ bait dangled before them and many aspiring others – it would have found credible (number) ganged up takers had they not. So in a way, their decision to participate was calculated. We may sound intelligent criticising with benefit of hindsight. There were many factors at play weakening their stand within themselves and without.
“Lets rather advise both the ruling and the aspiring rulers on way forward to stop this economic and social rot.
“I am not a defendant of MDC but I admire their resilience and courage.”
One of the weaknesses in African and Zimbabwean culture in particular is our failure to break the vicious cycle of yesterday liberators becoming today’s oppressors. One reason this is so is our binary mentality. Mugabe and his Zanu PF friends had the courage to risk life and limb to fight the white colonial army and the nation viewed them as national heroes per excellence - in so far as we are talking about their sacrifice during the liberation war. When Mugabe and Zanu PF imposed the de facto one-party dictatorship; denying the people their freedoms and rights including the right to a meaningful vote and even the right to life - the regime has murdered over 30 000 innocent Zimbabweans for selfish political gain; many people still continued to see Mugabe and his cronies as heroes for many years.
Yes Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC friends were heroes in taking up fighting for democratic change. It is a matter of historic fact that MDC had many golden opportunities to to deliver the democratic changes but failed to get even one reform implemented because they are corrupt, incompetent and they sold out. There are many Zimbabweans who still continue to view MDC leaders as heroes regardless of the sell-out. Why?
It is the binary mentality! They see black or white, good or bad, hero or villain and once they toggled into one position they cannot change. When Mugabe is denying the people the very freedoms and rights the nation was fighting for of course it is nonsense to still call him a hero.
When MDC leaders are selling-out or the reforms people had risk life and limb to elect them into power to implement, it is naive to still consider MDC leaders heroes.
It is not everyone fighting for a cause who believes in the cause. Where are heroes there are mercenaries too and those with a binary mentality are incapable of separating the two with the disastrous consequence of the vicious yesterday liberator becoming today’s oppressor!
Yes, of course, Coltart was right that if MDC1 did not participate in the elections MDC 2, 3, 4, etc. would have done so. The point here was if boycotting the elections was “the obvious” and logical thing to do then MDC1 should have done it regardless. Participating gave credibility to an otherwise flawed and illegal process and it was Zanu PF and the few opposition leaders who got the scraps who benefited at the expense of the national cause!
The people of Zimbabwe have risked life and limb to elect MDC leaders to bring about democratic change and not to prop up this illegitimate Zanu PF dictatorship!
Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF thugs are corrupt, incompetent, vote rigging and murderous thugs just as Chamisa et al are corrupt, incompetent and sell-out. Many of then should be arrested and face justice for their many crimes including murder and high treason. It is insane to even think they should, somehow, be rehabilitated and recycled!
The man who cried in support of Mnangagwa in 2017 still says he still supports the dictator.
Of course, he was wrong to believe Mnangagwa was going to bring about any change given that he was Mugabe's henchman and thus just as responsible for the mess of the last 37 years as Mugabe himself. The tragedy here is that even today with the benefit of hindsight the idiot continues to support Mnangagwa!
Post a Comment