Zimbabwe, a country plagued by economic turmoil, recently faced a shocking turn of events when its Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, was named “Best African Finance Minister of the Year”. Despite widespread astonishment and criticism from the public, the award was bestowed upon Ncube by Reputation Poll International, an organization that claims to manage reputations. This unexpected recognition has sparked a heated debate and raised concerns about the state of the Zimbabwean economy, unemployment rates, and the efficacy of Ncube’s policies.
Zimbabwe’s economy is in a dire state, with an unemployment rate of approximately 85%, as estimated by economists. This staggering figure highlights the severe economic hardship faced by the majority of the population. Additionally, the local currency has faced significant devaluation and loss of confidence, leading to around 80% of transactions being conducted in US dollars. Receiving the “Best African Finance Minister” award amid such economic regression has stirred controversy and skepticism among Zimbabweans.
Critics argue that Ncube’s policies have contributed to the country’s worsening economic conditions. One key concern is Ncube’s recent budget, criticized by activist Hopewell Chin’ono as the “most anti-people national budget that Zimbabwe has ever had.” This budget includes tax increases and a hike in passport fees, making them the most expensive in the region. Chin’ono accuses Ncube of presiding over the “worst economy in the world” due to misguided and corrupt policies.
The award has also raised questions about the credibility of Reputation Poll International. Some Zimbabweans see the recognition as ironic and nonsensical, equating it to applauding a captain for steering a ship directly into an iceberg. The disconnect between the award and the reality on the ground has led many to question the organization’s judgment and motives.
The Zimbabwean economy’s struggles can be traced back decades, with mismanagement by the ruling Zanu-PF party under both Robert Mugabe and President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The withdrawal of the Zimbabwe dollar in 2009 due to hyperinflation further destabilized the economy. While the ruling party blames Western-imposed sanctions for the country’s economic woes, critics argue that it is the result of years of corruption and misgovernance.
In addition to grappling with economic challenges, Zimbabwe also recently held controversial by-elections. The main opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), witnessed several of its MPs being recalled. The ruling Zanu-PF party emerged victorious in seven of the nine by-elections but fell short of the parliamentary majority required for constitutional changes.
The controversial “Best Finance Minister” award bestowed upon Mthuli Ncube has far-reaching implications for Zimbabwe. Firstly, it highlights the stark disconnect between the recognition and the economic realities faced by Zimbabweans. It calls into question the credibility of Reputation Poll International and raises concerns about their criteria for selecting awardees. Additionally, the award reinforces existing criticisms of Ncube’s policies, specifically his recent budget. It further intensifies public discontent and fuels discussions about the root causes of Zimbabwe’s economic woes.
Moving forward, it is crucial for Zimbabwe’s government to address the concerns raised by citizens and critics regarding the state of the economy and the effectiveness of Ncube’s policies. Transparency and accountability must be prioritized to restore public trust and confidence. Economic reforms focused on job creation, reducing inflation, and attracting foreign investment should be implemented to alleviate the country’s economic hardships. Lastly, Zimbabwe must explore avenues for international cooperation and assistance to overcome the challenges it faces. Only through concerted efforts can Zimbabwe hope to rebuild its economy and improve the lives of its citizens.
