The draft constitution is now ready, and ZANU (PF) persist to seek changes that I am sure most of your have read about. There is an argument over the role of the so called principals, in having a final say on constitutional matters. I call them “so called principals” because in the case one of them, his only qualification is only based on being at the right place at the right time. Beyond that, I am not sure whom he represents. I think this GPA arrangement sucks and the sooner we are rid of it, the better.
It is of course unprecedented, that politicians, whose shelf life is limited, should seek to make unilateral decisions that have serious implications on our future without our mandate and involvement. For me, it reinforces the need for us to do what we must, to deepen democracy in Zimbabwe, and urgently usher in new leaders who are accountable to us. Leaders who are forever conscious of the fact that, their role is but a temporary responsibility, and they must not play god in our lives. I do not trust that sense will prevail, given the high stakes on the table. The history and craftiness of ZANU (PF) in shifting the goal posts every time there are in a corner must teach us well. I expect that the SADC will have to intervene there.
The good news is that, there has been a marked improvement in the availability of electricity. The bad news is that the water which we are meant to be drinking is still unsafe. Most of us now source borehole water to avoid the health risk of drinking tap water. I think that the minister of energy Elton Mangoma is doing a sterling job so far, let us pray that it will be a permanent solution. On the issue of clean safe water for all, a UN millennium development goal, I am afraid that it will not be possible until we build new water works for all our major cities. That needs serious investment which will only come once the political environment is stable.
I am sure that some of you plan to come home for Christmas. Be advised not to drink any tap water while you are here, lest it spoils your festivities. If you are travelling by road, make sure you have your own fresh water to drink with you. Also make sure you have one dollar notes on hand for the toll fees and the related incidental expenses that you will no doubt incur on the way because, there is no change here. Of course this includes the money for coca cola (spot fines) for our hard working brothers and sisters in the police, who have to work long hours in the heat to ensure your road safety.
Please don’t forget that the dollar tends to exit from purses at a rather high here in Zimbabwe, so be prudent and make sure you have enough spending money while you are here, or you will be forced to cut short your visit. Also remember that it’s going to be very hot this summer, so bring your designer shades and sun screen so you can look good at the gochi gochi.
For those of you who imbibe, you need not worry because alcohol will be a plenty. I understand that Delta Beverages is about the only company in the whole of Zimbabwe, which is operating at 90% capacity, 24/7 to produce alcohol, an antidote for the high stress levels. How distressing.
Smart phones, tablets and electronic gadgets are hot here and in high demand. Those of you, who are eternal entrepreneurs, bring a couple and you will make a handsome return. For those of you, who like to be flashy with gadgets, be careful where you flash them!
On a more serious note, nothing much has fundamentally changed since I last wrote you except that, once more, your minister of finance has over estimated the expected revenues flowing into the fiscus from diamond mining.
That does not surprise me at all. I will certainly advise him to exclude any revenues from diamonds in the future, so that for once, he can announce in his future budgets that he underestimated those revenues. This will of course, not stem the theft of our mineral revenues that continues unabated. However, it could create some positive news in his budget for once since we desperately need some good news there.
From my interactions with some, there is a growing concern with regard to the inactivity of the MDC. They seem to have lost the energy we once knew, a sign that maybe their leadership has been co-opted into a false comfort zone within government with all the perks to boot.
There seems hardly any activism on the ground and this was confirmed to me recently when, out of curiosity, I attended a branch meeting where six people pitched. Notices were read regarding the Prime Minister’ wedding plans, the celebrations in Bulawayo and who would be selected to go. This, while it is reported that the army is now setting up bases in the rural areas to intimidate voters ahead of the referendum.
Maybe I am uninformed, but I quickly left, wondering whether these same guys will govern Zimbabwe the way I expect them to. I must put them to task on the subject matter soon.
Your MP’s now want to be paid a “golden handshake” when they leave parliament, as they are complaining that they are doing just too much work for to little. I don’t know about that because in Highfields, I have not seen our MP visiting and addressing the serious problems of water and access to medicines that we face.
I met an old woman the other day, despondent that she had to go to all the way to Harare hospital to get her blood pressure measured because at Highfileds clinic, they did not have the machine. I also hear that Highfields kombis now stop at market square in town, meaning that all passengers from Fio must now make a long walk into city centre during peak hours and track all the way back after work. If I was the MP, I would stop that nonsense. I do wonder where the honorable gentleman is hiding.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some MP’s who are very active and doing their best given the circumstances. It is a thankless job anyway. I however still need to be convinced that we really need MP’s and whether those that we vote for, are really equipped for that community service work they are expected to perform.
I continue to try and persuade people here, that it is impossible for Zimbabwe to create a modern democracy side by side with a modern economy, without the participation of you Zimbabweans in the Diaspora. You will be stunned to find out how all our infrastructure is slowly deteriorating each day. You will also be shocked to realize that, in that mess, they are some who have done very well. That is the true nature of capitalism I guess. But if the truth be said, it seems that our government is just there to get on our nerves. They just work so hard to do nothing and make life miserable for our people. This must change.
Your country does not have a plan of action for reviving this economy and you will have to play a very central role in advising on policy, technology and project management skills that we lack. There is just something missing here, and I know what it is; living abroad or in a more organised environment does something on how you think and look at the world, and we desperately need people who have had that exposure here if Zimbabwe is to modernize at all. There is so much to be done.
I must thank many of you for writing to me and not only to encourage and strengthen me, but also to seek to invest in emerging opportunities here. I must continue to persuade that you continue to have hope and realize that this too, shall pass.
I am sure that most of you watched the elections in the USA. Imagine us having live political debates here and questioning our leaders, especially what they plan to do for the country and the economy. I am still trying to find that out. I suspect that nobody here is looking or even thinking about where this country needs to be in five to ten year’s time. Most are just interested in what position, title and benefits they can attain.
Believe me on this, if we continue on the path we are now, it is highly probable that Zimbabwe will become one of the least developed countries in Africa. That’s scary but sadly true.
I must end with the most bizarre thing that happened the other day. There was unprecedented speed and urgency in Highfileds recently, in the filling of pot holes on the main roads, marking the roads and painting of the CJ hall. Youth could be seen with brooms sweeping the roads and some rubbish that was too visible was quickly collected. All this, was in preparation of what is being called township tourism. Goodness, it showed me the warped priorities that we have. The repairs were done to create an illusion that Highfields is well maintained. The reason for this was because an entourage of government officials was going to visit the township for a couple of hours to promote the concept. What a joke, but that’s Zimbabwean thinking for you: forget the needs of the people cover up things and hope the problems go away.
If you want my opinion on this, I think the whole township tourism project is a total waste of time and resources. Township people need clean water, regular waste collection services, access to good clinics, well equipped schools, street lighting, jobs, telephone land lines that work, clean public markets as it was prior to independence. Let’s rather spend our money on that.
Before I forget, your country now has new “independent” radio station, it is called ZiFM and I hear that it has added some spice to life. However, I note that the news items and tone are rather similar to ZBC, aghh that must just be a coincidence hey.
Let me not depress you any further, and conclude by wishing you an awesome Christmas break and a new beginning in 2013. In the mean time, sit tight wherever you are, work hard and pray for us here in Zimbabwe, so that we may continue to have the strength and foresight to create new paths that you may follow when you return. However, as I said to you in my last letter, don’t hurry back just yet. There are still some nuts we must crack.
I truly believe that the good men and women amongst us with honorable intentions will prevail, and that with your help, our beautiful Zimbabwe will recover.
Thank you for your patience, as this is my last letter this year, I thought it prudent to deal with all the issues that may be of interest to you in one sitting, hence it is rather long.
Keep the faith!
Sincerely
Vince Musewe
Vince Musewe is an independent economist in Harare. You may contact him on vtmusewe@gmail.com
Post published in: Letters to the Editor