The Sunday Mail
Dr Gift Mugano
We have come to the end of 2017 which is in our history since dollarisation is one of the most difficult years. This year was pregnant with a number of impediments which ranged froma toxic political landscape, rampant corruption, severe shortages of cash, unsustainable price increases to company closures.
At a time where the aeroplane was nose-diving, we saw great divine which came with the military intervention and the subsequent march by the general populace which took place on November 18 2017. The subsequent events which ensued saw the birth of a new era with a new Government headed by His Excellency Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa established.
The new political dispensation has ushered in new hopes for the generality of the population from all walks of life. Already, there is a lot of murmuring from the public about the current state of affairs which is manifested in crazy price increases, acute cash shortages, rampant unemployment and general deteriorating health system, to mentionbut a few.
There is no doubt that these fundamentals are making life unbearable for the generality of the population. However, to expect that the new Government would have addressed our economic and social ills which were a function of political and economic mismanagement within a month is not practical.
What is given is that Zimbabwe is poised for growth. Zimbabwe time to shine has come and 2018 is our year! Our hope for a better future under the new Government is premised on the following facts:
Government thrust to deal with corruption: Corruption had infested the whole society like cancer. Zimbabwe lost billions of dollars which were externalised through transfer pricing, money laundering and scandals in tendering for national projects. Government stance to deal with corruption will this time around help in saving money, raise efficiency and productivity;
Reforms: Already, through the National Budget, Government has come up with a number of reforms aimed at creating an enabling environment for business. Chief among key reforms which are expected to transform this country is the amendment to the indigenisation law by confining it only to platinum and diamond sectors, parastatals reforms and rationalisation of the civil servants’ bill with a view of creating fiscal space for capital expenditure and containing budget deficits;
Political will to deliver: The new Government’s motto to be the servant of the people which is buttressed with a 100 days rapid results initiative will result in enormous improvement in service delivery in the public sector which is key in any economic transformation agenda;
Support from developmental partners: Development partners are key in the development matrix of any country. Already, Afreximbank has availed US$1,5 billion which will help the country is stabilising liquidity challenges and fostering export-oriented production in mining and manufacturing sectors. Going forward, an ongoing reform agenda which includes political reforms and re-engagement process to be undertaken by Government will see the country securing more international funding from development partners.This facility, together with 100-day amnesty for cash externalisers and cash barons will go a long way in alleviating liquidity challenges. If these measures are implemented effectively, we will be able to withdraw cash from the ATMs come March 2018.
Free and fair elections: The President has consistently reminded the nation about is desire to hold credible elections. The aspect of free and fair elections is a critical subject which must be undertaken by Government judicially. Here, through dialogue, Government must consider views from all political parties, civil society, the general public, Diaspora and development partners. Most importantly, Government must be transparent about the electoral process to everyone. In this thrust, for the first time, Government must invite international observers in addition to regional election observers. If we hold free and fair elections in 2018 we would have built our country on a solid foundation which will see us becoming the Switzerland of Africa in five years!
Inasmuch as it is clear that Government is putting in place sound policy measures to turn around the economy, it cannot happen without corresponding support from the private sector. As we go into 2018, business must be disciplined, and exercise restraint when it comes to pricing and making goods available otherwise our journey to Canaan will take long like the Israelites.
Asante Sana!
This article was compiled by Dr Gift Mugano, the Registrar of Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University. Feedback: [email protected]; Cell: +263 772 541 209
