"Dystopian Desolation: Zimbabwe's Unyielding Struggle Under the Grip of Dictatorship

tankapfunde
Aug 28, 2023
4 min read

Recent times have seen me reflect on the persistent struggles experienced by several African nations since attaining independence. Astonishingly, these very challenges persist today, as if stuck in a loop. While individuals are unable to predict the future, history often repeats its patterns within the broader context of our species.

Throughout human history and diverse civilisations, a consistent desire for leadership—an entity to trust, safeguard, and guide—has emerged. However, history has demonstrated that not all intentions are noble. Dictators, propelled by their self-centered and self-serving motives, repeatedly subject their own countries to famine and stagnation. Their economic mismanagement can be so inept that it resembles the decision-making of inexperienced children. Emmerson Mnangagwa has been re-elected to serve a second term as Zimbabwe's president, extending ZANU-PF's control over the nation's politics for nearly five decades. This ongoing situation suggests that societal upheaval could persist for another five years.

Is it truly justice when the very foundations of human rights crumble under the weight of authoritarianism in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe's human rights issues date back to Southern Rhodesia, marked by severe political censorship and limited voting rights. However, the 'freedom fighter' ZANU-PF, initially lauded for liberating the country from colonial rule, has embraced authoritarian practices. The early 2000s signaled a shift from a nascent democracy to a highly repressive state. Widespread corruption during the 2000 election and the 2002 expulsion of the EU observer mission led the European Council to impose sanctions on government officials responsible for human rights violations. These measures included travel bans and asset freezes. However, carefully crafted propaganda has led to indoctrination, with some Zimbabweans blaming sanctions for the country's economic decline and rising poverty rates. The removal of long-term President Robert Mugabe in 2017 after military intervention saw Emmerson Mnangagwa take the reins. Despite this change, Mnangagwa maintained the legal, administrative, and security structures of the Mugabe era, consolidating power through repression. Endemic corruption, weak rule of law, and inadequate protections for labor and land rights persist as pressing challenges.

Zimbabwe's global freedom score stands at 28/100, indicating poor political rights and civil liberties. Reforms such as the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill, known as the Patriot Bill, posed threats to journalists ahead of elections. The bill's clauses, including severe penalties for attending meetings deemed harmful to Zimbabwe's interests, restrict journalism. Media freedom is stifled further due to state control. Unlike the Western world, civil liberties in Zimbabwe are severely lacking. Child marriages were banned only in 2016, yet poverty, religious beliefs, and weak enforcement sustain the practice. Shockingly, 34% of girls marry before 18, with 5% before 15 (Girls Not Brides). Stricter abortion laws and the prohibition of same-sex marriages perpetuate this imbalance. Ethnic tensions persist, with the Shona majority dominating ZANU-PF and the Ndebele minority voicing political marginalization. Social cohesion crumbles as tensions escalate and violence looms.

The global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was palpable, touching every corner of the world. Zimbabwe's frail healthcare system was particularly exposed during the crisis, hindered by its prolonged economic woes. While healthcare was once free and accessible, patients must now purchase medicine and supplies from private pharmacies. Some argue that since healthcare isn't free in countries like the US, it shouldn't be an issue for Zimbabwe. Yet, the wage gap tells a different story. The average Zimbabwean earns around $230, making it near impossible to manage medical expenses during inflation spikes. The healthcare system's dire state is exacerbated by the exodus of medical professionals. In 2021-2022 alone, 4,000 doctors and nurses left the country, further weakening an already ailing health sector. Many Zimbabweans migrate to the UK, with over 17,000 health and care-worker visas issued to them in a year. If this trend continues, Zimbabwe's healthcare future is bleak.

Growing up in England granted me the privilege of free education from primary school to college (equivalent to non-UK universities). Regardless of background or family income, access to education is a right supported by government funding. While private schools exist in the UK, the conversation here isn't about elitism. In contrast, Zimbabwe's situation is dire. The average family earns approximately $230 a month. For a child to attend school, the average cost for primary education is $50-$100 per year, and for secondary education, $100 or more. But cost isn't the sole barrier; distance to the nearest school can hinder attendance. School quality varies across Zimbabwe due to funding disparities. Private boarding schools excel, but costs—$2,000 to $4,000 for room and board per term—are out of reach for most. This growing educational elitism means children of government officials and top earners access quality education, while average Zimbabwean students suffer due to underfunded public schooling. Promised free education by ZANU remains unfulfilled, limiting opportunities.

Moreover, state interference extends to universities. The Ministry of Higher Education oversees university policies, and the president serves as chancellor of all eight state-run universities, giving the government authority over discipline. Violent police responses to campus protests underscore this influence.

The uncertain prospects faced by educated Zimbabwean youth persist. The country's 7.9% unemployment rate and healthcare professional exodus paint a grim future. Historical parallels with the Cold War-era flight of educated minds raise concerns of industry collapse. A lack of skilled professionals in crucial sectors leaves Zimbabwe vulnerable.

Zimbabwe's economy has contracted since the turn of the century. Unemployment and poverty rates remain alarmingly high, reminiscent of the hyperinflation horrors of the past. Under ZANU's leadership in 2008, money printing led to astronomical price increases, with basic goods costing millions. Though inflation isn't as severe today, Zimbabweans grapple with skyrocketing prices. The US dollar trades at $1 to 7,000 Zimbabwean dollars, and inflation hovers around 200%. This environment forces many into menial jobs and hand-to-mouth survival.

Debt compounds Zimbabwe's financial woes. The country owes over $14 billion, with $6.3 billion in arrears and penalties. China is a significant creditor, financing infrastructure projects like the Hwange Thermal Station expansion and airport upgrades. Such mounting debt-service payments stifle growth by siphoning public resources from vital investments. Zimbabwe's resources remain largely untapped as the average citizen reaps no benefits.

What Does Change Entail?

Change, as defined in the Oxford dictionary, encompasses altering or replacing someone or something. It's an essential facet of human existence. Yet, complacency towards 43 years of political party failure yields an ominous outlook for five more years of stagnation. While Zimbabweans have suffered, 'free' and 'fair' elections yield disappointing outcomes for future generations.