2008 – Zim’s wasted and watershed year?

2008 has no bright prospects. 2006’s introduction of new notes has not helped as an economic solution. Central Bank chief, Gideon Gono, has failed.

“The Government is failing to measure the value of commercial services, the rate of inflation and is lacking in solutions to arrest the economic decline,” John Robertson, an economist said.

Water supply has been affected terribly and it is difficult to get drugs in health institutions which are affecting health delivery. Zimbabwe’s ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals is doubtful as the country’s politicians lack the political will. The signing of the MoU is cosmetic.

The NRZ has poor signals, accidents, overloading and inefficient departure and arrival times. Road transport has been hit hard by high shortage of spares and fuel.

There has been a massive decline in tourist arrivals. Tourists are viewing Zimbabwe from neighbouring countries.

The much touted Baccossi facility, which seeks to provide cheap basic commodity supplies to the general public, is a political gimmick as it doesn’t have the manufacturing component aspect. Government will only supply what it has imported and it will steal the rest.

Prof John Makumbe a political Scientist/ Analyst with the University of Zimbabwe, has no kind words for the regime.

”The people in ruling Zanu (PF) know that the economic situation is so bad and distasteful  and have learnt nothing to resolve the country’s economic crisis,” he said. ”2008 remains a watershed year. Freedom of Zimbabweans by the tyrannical regime saw a number of activists brutally beaten, raped, arrested, killed and tortured,” he said.

Zimbabweans who expected the March 29 elections to give them the Zimbabwe they yearn for, were let down big time.

”Zimbabwe is a country of contradictions and this disintegration is so amazing that Zanu (PF) leadership is now completely divorced from the people’s expectations and reality,” Isabellalh Mtambanadzo, a human rights and democracy activist, said. ”What is the political entry point in Zimbabwe? Is it elections? If not what other platforms do Zimbabweans need to expound democracy? How can we reclaim our trumped rights by a tyrannical and diabolic regime?

For over 4 months the elected legislators and senators have not yet been sworn in . Who is making decisions for Government?

Diplomatic envoys assessing the political violence in the country have not been spared either. Political and civil rights contrary to Zanu (PF)’s have not been tolerated. Rural areas are no go areas for common citizens and the opposition MDC to carry out its effective campaigns. There was state media black out contrary to the SADC  protocol and guidelines on the conduct of free and fair elections. Fresh farm invasions emerged.

Human dignity must be at the centre of governance. Zimbabwe’s political culture faces an acid test – whether the politicians will be mature and strike a balance for the good and prosperity of the nation. Only time will tell.