2nd November 2026
There was a
widespread expectation that Zimbabwe was finally turning a new page in its
history. We anticipated a government that would prioritise the welfare of
ordinary people, protect their constitutional rights and create an environment
in which everyone could prosper. Unfortunately, the reality has proved
considerably different from those expectations.
One of the most
disturbing developments has been the increasing frequency of house demolitions
across the country. Families who have invested their lifetime savings in
constructing homes are suddenly confronted with the devastating reality of
having their properties destroyed. In many instances, people purchase
residential stands from developers who present themselves as legitimate
landowners, only for the authorities to declare those developments illegal
after permanent structures have already been erected.
The question that
must be asked is: Where is the protection of ordinary citizens? Why should
innocent homebuyers bear the full burden of corruption, fraudulent land
dealings and failures in government oversight? How can authorities allow
questionable land developments to proceed, collect rates and other payments,
and only intervene when people have invested substantial resources in building
their homes?
Even more
concerning is the apparent absence of adequate compensation and meaningful
remedies for affected families. Government must not simply demolish people's
homes and walk away from the consequences. Those responsible for fraudulent
land transactions must be identified and held accountable. Equally, there must
be due process, transparency and humane solutions that protect the rights and
dignity of affected families.
The plight of
informal traders presents another example of the growing disconnect between
government promises and the lived experiences of ordinary Zimbabweans. ZANU PF assured
vendors they would be allowed to continue operating while designated trading
spaces were being identified. Many traders relied on these assurances, hoping
that their livelihoods would be protected during the transition. However,
subsequent enforcement measures and restrictions have left many struggling to
sustain their businesses and provide for their families.
For thousands of
Zimbabweans, vending is not a luxury; it is a means of survival in an economy
where formal employment opportunities remain limited. Removing people from
their trading spaces without providing viable and accessible alternatives only
deepens poverty and economic vulnerability. Government policies should empower
citizens to earn an honest living rather than push them further into
desperation.
There is also a
growing public concern about economic inequality and the apparent concentration
of opportunities and wealth among politically connected elites. Ordinary
citizens continue to struggle to access basic economic opportunities, while
allegations of preferential treatment and elite enrichment persist. The
national wealth and economic opportunities of Zimbabwe should benefit the
broader population, not a privileged minority with connections to those
occupying influential positions of power.
A country cannot
achieve meaningful development when access to opportunities, protection and
economic advancement appears to depend more on political connections than on
merit, hard work and equal citizenship. The national economic cake must be
shared fairly, and every Zimbabwean should have a reasonable opportunity to
participate in the country's economic development.
Perhaps one of the
most unfortunate developments is the growing perception that political loyalty,
hero worship, and bootlicking have become necessary survival strategies.
Instead of institutions serving citizens impartially, people increasingly feel
compelled to demonstrate allegiance to powerful political figures to access
opportunities, secure protection, or avoid victimisation. This undermines
accountability, weakens democratic institutions and erodes the principles of
equality before the law.
The Second Republic
must understand that political slogans, promises and declarations of a new
dispensation are meaningless if they are not reflected in the everyday lives of
ordinary Zimbabweans. A new republic should be measured not by the speeches of its
leaders but by the extent to which it protects human dignity, respects
constitutional freedoms, safeguards property rights and creates equal economic
opportunities.
Zimbabweans did not
hope for a change of leadership merely to experience different versions of the
same challenges. They hoped for a genuine transformation in governance and the
protection of fundamental human rights. The
fundamental question remains: What exactly has changed for the ordinary
Zimbabwean under the Second Republic? A government that promises
prosperity must demonstrate it through policies and actions. A government that
promises freedom must respect the rights of its citizens. And a government that
claims to represent the people must be accountable to all citizens, not merely
those who occupy the corridors of power.
Zimbabwe belongs to
all Zimbabweans, not to a politically connected minority. Its resources,
opportunities and national wealth should serve the interests of the entire
population. The people deserve more
than promises. They deserve dignity, justice, accountability, equal
opportunities and a government that respects their constitutional rights.
About the author
Tafadzwa Chivaura is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He
is the Chairperson of the Midlands Branch of the UK Chapter of
Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. He can be contacted by email
at tafadzwachivaura@yahoo.com OR at Tafadzwa.chivaura@rohr-zimbabwe.org
