5th May 2024
As Zimbabweans, we are amid economic turmoil exacerbated by
President Emmerson Mnangagwa's
poor and self-serving leadership.
The introduction of the ZiG currency, purportedly to address
inflation, reflects a pattern of mismanagement and whimsical decisions by the
ZANU-PF-led government. Market traders, transport operators, industry and
commerce bear the brunt of these policies.
Facing uncertainty and having learnt lessons from the past,
they are relying on more stable foreign currencies like the US dollar due to a
lack of faith in the ZiG. In doing so they are potentially breaking “the law”
and are prone to its wrath.
The introduction of the ZiG currency pegged to gold has
failed to restore confidence due to several factors, including doubt about the
quantity of the gold reserves.
The well-publicised Gold Mafia scandal and widespread
smuggling of gold, with the tacit involvement of the First Family, other senior
ZANU-PF officials, and cronies betray our trust. It highlights a pattern of
governance that prioritises personal gain over the welfare of Zimbabweans, a
fact that should not be taken lightly.
The incident involving Henrietta Rushwaya, President of the
Zimbabwe Miner's Federation and a niece of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who
was caught with 6kg of gold bars in her handbag while travelling from Harare to
Dubai in 2020, exemplifies the depth of corruption and illicit activities
within Zimbabwe's leadership and mining sector and is a case in point.
This scandal directly implicates a prominent figure in the
mining industry and reflects broader systemic issues of exploitation and abuse
of resources for personal gain. The incident underscores the failure of
leadership, including that of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, to curb rampant
corruption and protect national resources for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.
It highlights the urgent and immediate need for transparent governance and
effective reforms.
Citizens grapple with the consequences of these failures in
their daily lives. This economic instability extends to critical areas like
health and education. People are dying prematurely because of a lack of
well-equipped hospitals. Families are struggling to put food on the table, let
alone pay school fees in US dollars, highlighting the profound impact of
misguided leadership on everyday life.
It underscores the urgent need for sweeping reforms to restore accountability and rebuild public trust in leadership that has failed to meet its responsibilities so far.
The Economist's critique of 'miracle money' reflects not
just his scepticism but a widespread doubt towards hastily introduced monetary
measures that do not address underlying economic issues. Overall, Zimbabwe's
economic woes reflect a systemic crisis of governance and accountability,
undermining efforts to stabilise the country's currency and restore public
trust.
As concerned citizens, we must demand accountability and
work towards rebuilding trust in Zimbabwe's leadership and institutions. This brings
the pertinent question of government legitimacy to the fore.
Renee Brenda Langa is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Secretary for Information & Publicity of the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. She can be contacted by email at reneelanga378@gmail.com OR renee.langa@rohr-zimbabwe.org
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