NOT SURPRISING THAT THE GOVERNOR OF THE RESERVE BANK OF ZIMBABWE PLEADS FOR HELP

*NOT SURPRISING THAT THE GOVERNOR OF THE RESERVE BANK OF ZIMBABWE PLEADS FOR HELP.*

The Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe - RBZ, John Mushayavanhu, is urging every Zimbabwean to support the newly introduced currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), to make it work. This is after the ZiG has already lost a considerable value in just the three weeks it has been in use, albeit only in electronic form.

The question is, why has the governor suddenly turned his back on their international advisors, the World Bank? If the proposed policy has failed, why won't they call their consultants back and tell them, rather than throw them under the bus?

A lot of mistrust, internal discord and disillusionment has unfortunately become the order of the day. As much as we want Zimbabwe's economy to function, such monetary policy blunders don't come cheap.

At least they have realised that fighting money changers in the streets is not the solution to the lack of confidence in the ZiG. Rather, the governor needs to find ways of convincing consumers, businesses, local and foreign investors to use the ZiG in domestic transactions. He also needs to engage those in the diaspora in the same vein. 

These governors must go back in time and study what made the original Zimbabwean dollar work as the sole currency from 1980 to 2000 and must study the outstanding policies of other governors like James Kombo Moyana and Dr Leonard Tsuma. Instead of trusting these disruptive policies being reshuffled and recycled repeatedly post 2002.

Revival of the local industry as a start would allow the country to start producing, rather than surviving on imports only. Businesses will obviously shun the local currency and opt for forex so that they can import basic products.

The Central Bank also needs independence from ZANU PF. I strongly believe these governors are very well-educated and wise enough to know about what needs to be done to fix the currency and monetary policy issues. Rather, they are being constrained by the selfish ambitions of greedy politicians. I feel sorry for Governor John Mushayavanhu because he is in a hot seat. He knows the truth but can't tell his boss.

#wearetired

#EnoughIsEnough

#weneednewleaders

#structuredfraud

#zanupfmustgo

*About the author*

_Tendai Christian Mapfumo is a UK based Zimbabwean human rights activist. He is in the South Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. He can be contacted by emailing christendai52@gmail.com

THE MISCHIEVOUS ZANU PF - BY Greatman Makipa

 I8 April 2024

As if installing necrophobia in its peasantry was not enough, ZANU-PF, in line with its DNA, has resorted to enforced disappearance, abductions, murder, lawfare and systematic persecution of Zimbabwean citizens as a way of hanging on to power.

Zimbabweans, like pregnant women who have only one option to give birth, have been forced to flee their motherland in their millions, mostly to the xenophobic South Africa, which has left many of them dead or living a cat-and-mouse existence in their stepfather's country.

Millions of Zimbabweans have fled to the diaspora due to the repressive way ZANU-PF is running the country.

Some are pursued beyond the borders, hounded and persecuted in foreign lands by the notorious regime agents, especially in neighbouring South Africa, where the ANC-led government is sympathetic to the regime in Harare. 

As a result, most are so hopeless and fearful that they now choose to remain silent despite their displeasure in the way Zimbabwe is being run. 

The question uppermost in people's minds is, if big names like Job Sikhala, Promise Mkwananzi and Ngadziore can be abducted during daylight, how many of the lesser-knowns are being subjected to similar or much worse persecution?

This has led to many preferring silence over the risk of death at the hands of State operatives.

This then leaves me with the question, is Zimbabwe Independent Yet?

#NOTYETUHURU@44

Author:  Greatman Makipa is a human rights activist in our North branch of  Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe’s UK Chapter. 

ZIMBABWE NOT INDEPENDENT – By Nina Mutepfa

18th April 2024

Zimbabwe continues to struggle with its lack of true independence.

The 44 years under ZANU-PF rule are marked by pervasive corruption that undermines good governance and economic stability. The country's leadership is marred by allegations of embezzlement and mismanagement, exacerbating the already dire situation. The impact of this corruption is felt on a societal level, with citizens facing limited access to basic services and a deteriorating quality of life.

Amidst these challenges, the people of Zimbabwe are suffering, with a significant portion of the population facing hardships that have led to a high mortality rate. The combination of political instability, economic mismanagement, and a lack of accountability has created a cycle of despair for the population, highlighting the urgent need for reforms and sustainable solutions to address these pressing issues.

The grave violations of human rights under the ED Mnangagwa government and ruling party ZANU-PF include murders, arbitrary arrests, abductions, enforced disappearances as well as imprisonment of activists and opposition leaders.

These actions reflect a troubling trend of suppressing dissent and silencing voices of opposition. Emmerson Mnangagwa's government's crackdown on civil liberties and political freedoms and the accompanying system of patronage raise concerns about the lack of democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. The systematic targeting of activists and political opposition leaders undermines the people's fundamental rights and freedoms, perpetuating a climate of fear and intimidation.

Attention and action are needed to hold Ed Mnangagwa’s government and ruling party, ZANU-PF, accountable for these violations and to ensure the protection of human rights in Zimbabwe.

#ZIMBABWENOTINDEPENDENT

#ZANUPFMUSTFALL

#NORIGHTSINZIMBABWE

#ROHRZIMBABWE     

About the author
Nina Mutepfa 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 ninamutepfa@gmail.com

Zimbabwe's Elusive Independence: A Cry from Ordinary Citizens - by Sakhile Ncube

18th April 2024

As Zimbabwe commemorates yet another Independence Day today, April 18th, the reality for many ordinary Zimbabweans paints a stark contrast to the celebratory narrative. For the past 44 years, since 1980, under the reign of the Zanu PF regime, the dream of true freedom and independence has remained just that – a dream.

Instead of progress and prosperity, what we've witnessed is a descent into chaos orchestrated by a selfish and brutal government and its cronies. Ordinary Zimbabweans who have exercised their right to vote find nothing to celebrate but a laundry list of grievances.

The promise of freedom has been tarnished by rampant corruption, oppression, and violence. Journalists are abducted, citizens are killed in broad daylight, some disappear, and those who dare to speak out for freedom are silenced. The dream of a liberated Zimbabwe has morphed into a nightmare of fear and suffering.

Zanu PF's legacy is one of failure and betrayal. Despite numerous elections, the plight of the people remains unchanged. Different currencies come and go like the wind, but the suffering and brutality persist. Many Zimbabweans have been forced into exile, enduring hardship in foreign lands, while those left behind continue to struggle under the weight of broken promises and unfulfilled aspirations.

As we reflect on Zimbabwe's Independence Day today, let us not forget the voices of ordinary citizens who are wallowing in abject poverty and crying out for true freedom and justice. #ZimbabweIsNotIndependent is not just a hashtag; it's a rallying cry for change and for a Zimbabwe where every citizen can truly experience the independence they deserve.

#ZimbabweanLivesMatter

#ZimbabweIsNotIndependent

About the author
Sakhile Ncube 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 jsakhile@yahoo.com