๐๐ข๐จ๐ฃ ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฆ ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐๐ก๐ ๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ช๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ โ ๐ ๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ข๐ก๐ข๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฆ, ๐ช๐๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฏ๐ฌ ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฆ ๐๐ก๐ฆ๐ง๐๐๐๐๐๐ง๐ฌ.
- rutendo matinyarare
- Mar 29
- 2 min read

Zimbabwe has endured tumultuous times over the past 24 years due to sanctionsโsanctions that many supported and did not resist. These sanctions devastated national unity, families, and the economy, leading to brain drain, loss of forex reserves, destruction of businesses, reduced tax revenue, and a shrinking labor force. Despite the challenges, the government appears unaware of the full impact of sanctions, and due to this misdiagnosis, there seems to be no clear strategy for economic recovery, even after sanctions on the nation were lifted, though they remain on some leaders.
At the same time, corruption has deeply infiltrated society. Many Zimbabweans, struggling to survive, have become mere consumers rather than producers. The nation has lost its moral compass, and now, a culture of survival at any cost has taken rootโsmuggling, drug peddling, bribery, and currency speculation have become the norm, eroding value addition and fueling a cycle of economic decay despite the GDP and economy growing. Instead of taking collective responsibility, blame is constantly shifted.
In search of a quick fix, some now advocate for a coup, hoping for change. But does political change alone guarantee economic transformation and better livelihoods? South Africa transitioned from Zuma to Ramaphosa, Zimbabwe from Mugabe to Mnangagwa, and Zambia from Lungu to Hichilemaโyet have these changes significantly improved people's lives?
More critically, would an undemocratic regime change improve Zimbabweโs situation? A coup or unconstitutional transition risks severe consequences, including isolation and sanctions from the AU and SADC, which would further worsen economic conditions in Zimbabwe, And as hardships increase, another coup could follow those who take over now, in a vicious cycle of instability that never delivers real change.
Additionally, the push for 2030โat a time when most Zimbabweans have seen little improvement in their lives despite the rising GDPโraises the risk of factionalism within the ruling party, creating an unstable environment that drives away investment.
As long as Zimbabweans refuse to acknowledge the full impact of sanctions, we will fail to rebuild what was destroyed:
โขBrain drain
โขInvestment flight
โขThe collapse of banking relationships
โขThe rise of corruption fueled by economic hardships
โขIncreasing inequality
โขThe tarnished image of Zimbabwe as a brand
A misdiagnosis of Zimbabweโs problems leads to ineffective solutions, which is why, despite a growing GDP, increased exports, and rising production, living standards have not improved, in fact they are deteriorating as a few get richer and masses get poorer. As a result, many now see leadership change as the only solution, forgetting that the removal of Mugabe was once viewed the same wayโyet the challenges remain.
Those leaders now pushing for forced leadership change, just as the current government did in 2017, must understand that in five years, they too will face pressure for removal, as they will likely fail to turn the economy around without addressing fundamental pillars eroded by sanctions. Instability breeds more instability.
The Solution
ZANU PF must unite, bring the public into their confidence and prioritize national interests over factional battles. The leadership must make a decision that serves the people, rather than being driven by internal power struggles. Without long-term stability and sound economic policies, Zimbabwe will continue to face cycles of political and economic turmoil like west Africa.
Comments