Is it still home?

Four million nationals of the once bread basket of Africa have been forced to find solace beyond its borders. South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia being the most popular and the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada the most inhabited abroad.

Do these people still regard Zimbabwe as home?

For each person, there came a point in time where it seemed that there was simply no hope and the thought of starting life again somewhere safe and functional, was a better idea than trying to stick it out in Zimbabwe.

This Diaspora has had an incalculable effect not only on the countries that have been inundated with Zimbabwean ‘refugees’ but also on the country that was left behind.  A large percentage of those who left are well educated professionals, those whom the country needs most in order to get it back on its feet.  The brain drain has taken on a whole new meaning and the evacuation of so many skilled workers has left a giant chasm in Zimbabwe’s workforce. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, scientists and other academics are now few and far between.  Those who remain are forced to engage in black market businesses and or other entrepreneurial activities for no other reasons but to survive the daily hyperinflation and economic collapse.

I cannot speak for those who are still in Zimbabwe but for those of us outside: reading the news every day and following the developments does more harm than it does good. Every article written in every paper, on every website, in every magazine says the same thing: nothing has come of the power sharing talks, there has been no international intervention and there is an incredible lack of aid. Who are we to carry on our lives while millions starve and suffer?

Economic stability and recovery will only take place with the resolution of the inherent political crisis. Sadly this does not seem to be moving in a positive direction.

There seems to be little hope of moving home for those who have emigrated. Zimbabwe is not the home we once knew it was, but, I will always hope that it will be one day.