In the heart of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe, a land known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, finds itself ensnared in an economic stranglehold by a foreign power – China. This tale of economic subservience unfolds against the backdrop of my personal journey from a young advocate of justice to a reformed convict. The ongoing political and economic melee in Zimbabwe not only echoes the cries of its despondent citizens but raises the curtain on a larger narrative of neocolonialism.
China’s burgeoning influence in Zimbabwe manifests in multiple facets of the economy. From monopolising vaccine sales to spearheading power plant constructions, the Chinese footprint is pervasive and unyielding. Even the sacred resting places of our ancestors are not spared as Chinese corporations violate local graves to extract coal. The production of tiles and bricks is now dominated by Chinese firms, conspicuously bypassing the essential environmental impact assessments, thanks to a seemingly corrupt Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
The ruling party, Zanu pf, after decades of seemingly holding Zimbabwe hostage, appears to have had a moment of revelation—certain subsectors ought to be earmarked for Zimbabweans. However, this new stance merely masquerades as a veil of concern for the suffering masses. The proposition to reserve minimum wage jobs and mediocre income sole proprietorships for locals, reeks of insincerity and political expediency, especially on the cusp of the 2023 elections.
The narrative spun by Zanu pf suggests a sudden inclination towards people’s welfare. Yet, it starkly underlines a fundamental issue – the lack of faith in the local populace’s ability to handle high-level technology, research, and innovation. Instead of nurturing a self-sufficient ecosystem, Zimbabwe is painted into a corner of dependency, outsourcing critical resources like vaccines from China.
As the 2023 elections loom, the narrative of reserved economic subsectors for Zimbabweans rings hollow. The ostensibly partisan distribution of these subsectors hints at a deep-seated agenda, veiled under the guise of economic inclusivity. Those not affiliated with Zanu pf are likely to find themselves on the periphery, excluded from the so-called reserved economic opportunities.
The contrasting approach of the opposition during Zimbabwe’s golden era, under the vigilant eyes of the democratic West, ensured broad-based inclusivity. Unlike the current regime, the opposition did not relegate Zimbabweans to nearly charitable economic subsectors but fostered a conducive environment for everyone to thrive, irrespective of political affiliations.
The unfolding economic scenario under Zanu pf’s watch is a stark reminder of the widening chasm between the ruling elite and the common folk. It’s a tale of lost opportunities, unfulfilled promises, and a plea for genuine reforms that transcend political gimmickry. As Zimbabweans, the quest for economic sovereignty and the shedding of neocolonial shackles is a narrative that deserves not only regional but global attention.
About The Author
