In a battle for economic autonomy, Zimbabwe finds itself checkmated on the global chessboard, with China emerging as the controlling player. A significant concern circles around the dominion China holds in vital sectors of Zimbabwe’s economy. From monopolising vaccine sales to laying the bricks of power plants, China’s grip is evident. Moreover, the exploitation of coal resources at the cost of violating local grave sites, and the production of tiles and bricks under questionable labour and environmental practices, further underscores China’s stronghold.
The woes don’t end here; Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Agency’s (EMA) alleged corruption facilitates these activities without requisite environmental impact assessments. Despite these significant reservations, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu pf), seems to turn a blind eye, driven by interests that do not align with the welfare of the Zimbabwean populace.
After decades of economic subjugation, there appears to be a realisation within the Zanu pf regarding the reservation of certain subsectors for Zimbabwe. However, this comes across as a mere mockery towards the suffering Zimbabweans. With a history of an acute deficiency in locus standi or legitimacy, the faith in Zanu pf’s ability to implement reforms for a genuine transition from theory to practice remains dismal.
The centralisation of power by Zanu pf, stimulating impunity and a rule by law for its preferences, has led to an erroneous classification of minimum wage jobs and mediocre income sole proprietorships as reserved for Zimbabweans. Such classifications, although strategic, are futile. They merely serve as a façade of a people’s welfare-sensitive government, especially as 2023 elections loom.
Zanu pf’s admission, by default, reveals a harsh reality. The Zimbabwean populace, held hostage for decades, lacks specialisation in high-level technology, research, and innovation. This inadequacy is glaringly evident in the face of a global pandemic, where outsourcing vaccines from China became the norm rather than an exception. In an alternative reality, Zimbabwe could have ventured into manufacturing or at least assembling its fleet, bolstering the tourism sector.
The narrative takes a darker tone as the economic mediocrity extends to the classification of so-called economic subsectors. The capital and specialist skills deficit leaves Zimbabweans condemned to a life of mediocrity and poverty. The strategy seems to be a smokescreen to appease the frustrated populace, while the lucrative sectors are reserved for the Chinese, shielding Zanu pf from international sanctions.
As the sun of 2023 elections rises on the horizon, concerns burgeon regarding Zanu pf’s equitable distribution of these reserved economic subsectors. Given its past, the partisan distribution of economic opportunities remains a looming fear, alienating those not affiliated with Zanu pf, and further entrenching the economic disparities.
The once golden era of Zimbabwe, under a more inclusive and democratic guise, seems like a distant dream. The stark contrast between the opposition’s approach and Zanu pf’s self-serving agenda reveals a grim picture of Zimbabwe’s economic landscape. The Chinese chessboard seems to be set, with Zanu pf’s moves leading Zimbabwe further into a checkmate.
About The Author
