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."
#MaydayMayday
#DistressCall
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
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