In a striking portrayal of Zimbabwe’s political and economic crisis, citizens are increasingly fleeing to Diepsloot, Johannesburg, in South Africa, seeking refuge from the country’s turmoil. This exodus is a direct result of the ruling party, Zanu PF’s, disastrous governance, characterized by power abuse, financial mismanagement, and a stark lack of innovation in driving economic development.
Zanu PF’s leadership has been marred by luxuries and privileges afforded to ministers who have failed to introduce effective strategies for economic progress. This stagnation comes despite 41 years of empty promises and a tendency to blame external forces, such as Western sanctions, for their own shortcomings.
The Home Affairs Ministries of both Zimbabwe and South Africa are grappling with this migration crisis, yet they lack the courage to acknowledge the root cause. As Julius Malema of EFF pointedly stated, “We have to help Zimbabweans to get rid of Zanu PF, all our problems have resulted from their inappropriate misgovernance.” To truly understand the situation in Diepsloot, one must recognize the detrimental impact of Zanu PF’s policies, which have driven Zimbabweans to seek a better life across borders.
The party’s nationalistic and experimental policies have failed to yield positive results. Instead, they have resorted to political scare tactics to suppress opposition, further narrowing the decision-making circle to a few partisan members focused on personal gains. This approach was evident in the cabinets of both former President Mugabe and current President Mnangagwa.
The economic strategy, spearheaded by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, echoes past failures reminiscent of the pre-2008 era under Dr. Gideon Gono, when hyperinflation soared. The government’s short-lived recovery, facilitated by the Government of National Unity and the introduction of the US Dollar by Tendai Biti, is a distant memory.
Fourteen years later, Ncube’s policies, especially the controversial de-dollarization backed by the Reserve Bank, have further destabilized the economy. The introduction of new currency notes, such as the 100 Zimbabwean Dollar, is expected to phase out smaller denominations, repeating a cycle of monetary instability.
As Zimbabwe continues to struggle under the weight of poor governance, the likelihood of its citizens returning home to a stagnant economy is high. The government has failed to revive industries or stabilize the currency. The only apparent success lies in the enrichment of personal wealth through patronage, corruption, and dubious policy schemes like Command agriculture.
This harrowing situation underscores the urgent need for political and economic reform in Zimbabwe. Without it, the country risks not only the continued exodus of its people but also a deeper plunge into a crisis from which recovery may be increasingly challenging.