The Sunday Mail
Teddie Bepete
We are in the midst of a savage war, and it is a war that demands that we all become economic freedom fighters. When there is a conventional war, people have to bear arms to defend themselves.
But what do people do when they are fighting an economic war, one in which rent seekers and saboteurs work under the cover of dark to further their nefarious ends?
Considering what happened last week where prices of goods were manipulated and fuel was hoarded, such a question lingers. The nation is seeking answers as to who was behind the chaotic situation that resulted in panic buying and a sharp rise in prices.
To survive these attacks, we need to take responsibility for our collective destiny.
Addressing a bumper crowd at Harare International Airport on his return from the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week, President Mugabe said, “We triumphed over imperialism, we are now a free people. If they want to go back to war, we are also prepared to do so.’’
The President’s affirmation of triumph over imperialism came against a fresh onslaught on the country’s economy.
The neo-colonial war was declared on Zimbabwe on the day the US and its allies such as Britain and the European Union imposed illegal sanctions on us. We are in the midst of a savage war, and it is a war that demands that we all become economic freedom fighters. Championed by President Mugabe, indigenisation and empowerment have become the cornerstone this struggle. It is a war for economic emancipation. It is a black empowerment agenda.
The fight for control of our natural resources and means of production is no stroll in the park. Zimbabweans have for long been immersed in the perils of this bitter struggle.
After enduring the pains of losing loved ones in the liberation war, Zimbabweans have continued to soldier on the back of faith and perseverance.
The 2016/2017 farming season proved that we are a resilient lot. It proved that Zimbabweans are good planners. The bumper harvest as a result of the noble Presidential Inputs Support Scheme and Command Agriculture, compounded by good rains, is proof that Zimbabweans can transform their lives. It is proof that the economic war can be won. According to Africa’s youngest billionaire Mohammed Dewji, “Success will always come to those that put in hard work. With short-cuts you will never truly appreciate your accomplishments.”
Mohammed Dewji’s statement inspires us to endure the slings and arrows of the economic war we must fight and win.
The artificial shortage of fuel and basic commodities that led to panic buying as people thought in horror of the hardships of the sanctions and sabotage-induced hyperinflation of 2007-2008 must be roundly condemned. Being the people-centred leader he is, President Mugabe promised to deal with the problem soonest. He lived true to his word and within 48 hours the situation was stabilising. The high probability of economic sabotage by our detractors should not be ruled out. President Mugabe’s rebuke of Goliath Trump at the Un General Assembly could have sparked anger from the “big brother”.
There is strong suspicion that the chaotic economic situation was orchestrated by fifth columnists who have never really believed in the empowerment agenda and are working with foreign agents. Being wise as he is, President Mugabe is fully aware of what is happening. That is why he told mourners at Gogo Maria Msika’s burial at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Thursday: “There are those who are eager to spoil God’s blessings. They want to manipulate the currency to trigger inflation, cause panic buying, these are the malcontents. They are the Judas Iscariots of Jesus’ last supper. They are in our midst. Those who want me to leave power which was legally given me by the people.”
Yes, they are in our midst, and they cannot fool us. We see what they are doing. It is also my humble submission that in the midst of fighting this economic war, the indigenisation and economic empowerment drive should not be seen as a platform for enrichment of a new kind atavistic elite. Just as in politics, business without morality and ethics is putrid and valueless. It adds to economic decline and derails empowerment and true national development.
The morality of our business community has been questionable. Many of our entrepreneurs have gone rogue.
Service providers must give value for money, and not this trait of robbing customers through unilaterally increasing prices.
Economic freedom must come alive. People’s living standards must improve and we say no to rent seeking and selfish behaviour.
