MAY DAY CALL FOR CHANGE – by Renee Brenda Langa

1st May 2024,

Today, as we observe International Workers' Day, we must confront the harsh realities Zimbabwean workers face.

Zimbabwe is abundantly endowed with natural resources.

The mining sector alone boasts over 40 minerals, including high export earners like gold, lithium, platinum, diamonds, and chrome.

In the agricultural sector, Zimbabwe has arable land and a suitable climate.

On top of this, we have the kind of human capital that is the envy of most developed nations and that could provide manpower for what can be a thriving manufacturing sector.

Yet our people see little benefit from all these treasures. Natural resources should be the cornerstone of prosperity for all Zimbabweans, not just the political elite in ZANU-PF, who benefit from corrupt, lucrative export deals.

Value addition is one of the obvious solutions, as it will increase export earnings and employment opportunities. However, the ZANU-PF government is not keen on this as it reduces opportunities for its leaders to enrich themselves through corrupt deals with foreigners.

The government under Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is failing Zimbabwe's citizens by not creating a conducive environment for the establishment of local industries that could provide employment and by not investing in the infrastructure needed to support such industries.

This deliberate neglect and the lack of transparency in how our resources are managed amounts to the betrayal of every Zimbabwean.

We need a change of government from the current ZANU–PF–led self-serving one to one that will urgently redirect our focus and ensure that our natural wealth is used to build, not break our nation's economy.

This May Day, let's start a new chapter anchored on honesty, accountability, and sustainable development to provide real jobs and futures for our people."

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About the author
Renee Brenda Langa is a human rights activist and a member of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe based in the United Kingdom. She can be contacted by email at reneelanga378@gmal.com