When Zimbabwe obtained independence in 1980, it was a envy of other African Countries. It was commonly known as the "Jewel of Africa"; the bread Basket of Africa when it came to farming. After 1980,literacy in Zimbabwe was at 82% which was the best record at the time. It had an economy that was stable, strong and the farming system was booming; being owed by the 10% of the white minority. Health care was also an issue that the president tried to tackle so that there was equality and health care for all which was affordable and accessible to all.
Yes, things deteriorated and disintegrated and there was anarchy and mayhem all around the country. Greed and nepotism and selfishness engulfed the rulers of the country and they soon forgot what they fought for against the white colonialist.
They became colonizers themselves in so many ways and far worse ways than when whites where still in power. Land reform was introduced which saw the relatives and the ministers gaining and the poor gained nothing.
Propaganda was the order of the day; all international music was banned and the only songs that you could hear was that of land reform and how good the current government was and has been to the people. If you had lived during that time, trust me you would also be singing those songs too.
This was one way of bullying the people of Zimbabwe into submission, into taking whatever the government dished. Food Aid was stopped at some point in time during the time leading to the March 2005 elections. NGOs that supplied food aid, but during that time, the Zanu PF party insisted that they control the distribution process which saw again the relatives of the known ministers and members gaining and in turn selling the grain to the poor.
Food and Fuel were used to control the masses of Zimbabwe. This saw close to 5 million people fleeing Zimbabwe to seek economic refuge in neighboring countries mainly South Africa.
Inflation rates rose to a Trillion percent and the life expectancy dropped from 54 years of age to 37.
Yes most Zimbabweans today are going back to their country to try and rebuild from the ruins but with the same political party in power and the same people still in power, what change can be expected? Today Zimbabwe is using the US Dollar as a currency and yes, there is now food and basic commodities found, what about the brain drain that took place during the time.
Not all educated and qualified Zimbabweans want to go back to rebuild their country. Not if the same political party is in power. But who can rebuild their country while they are all over the world? Its time that they faced the music, and build their country to the way it was. to be glorious and be the Jewel again. But it cannot be done while they are away.
Home is always best at all times.
Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.
