ON the country’s political landscape, the opposition has consistently portrayed itself as a ‘champion of democracy’ and a voice for the people.
However, the opposition, particularly under the leadership of one Nelson Chamisa, has been its own worst enemy.
By focusing on the ‘crisis in Zimbabwe’ narrative, the opposition has failed to offer a constructive alternative to the Government’s development agenda.
“Zimbabweans must recognise and appreciate the developments around them, which are laying a firm foundation for sustainable growth, rather than falling prey to the opposition’s tactics of desperation, lies and sowing discord,” said political analyst Kudzai Dube.
“The assertion that Zimbabwe is a country in crisis and not developing is not only baseless but also absurd. The substantial infrastructure developments have had a profound impact on the country and the entire SADC region. The most glaring contradiction to this claim is the fact that Zimbabwe’s infrastructure initiatives have saved the region a staggering US$330 million. This achievement alone underscores Zimbabwe’s strategic importance and its role as a catalyst for regional economic growth, rather than a nation teetering on the brink of disaster,” said Dube.
“Zimbabwe’s commitment to infrastructure development is evident in projects like the modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post, a critical gateway for trade between Zimbabwe and its neighbours. This project has improved the efficiency of cross-border trade and solidified Zimbabwe’s position as a vital economic hub within SADC. The benefits of this development are felt far beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, with the entire region reaping the rewards of reduced costs, improved logistics and increased trade flows.
“The US$330 million saved for SADC through these infrastructure improvements is a testament to Zimbabwe’s forward-thinking approach to development. It is a clear indication that the country is not just keeping pace with its regional counterparts but is actively contributing to the economic stability and growth of the region. This is not typical of a country in crisis; it is the hallmark of a nation that is focused on progress, innovation and regional co-operation.”
The crisis narrative also fails to account for the Government’s strategic efforts to improve healthcare, education and industrial capacity. For instance, the recent introduction of an air ambulance service is a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its citizens.
This development is not just about saving lives; it is about demonstrating that the Government is committed to improving the quality of life for all Zimbabweans. It is an example of how the Government is using innovative solutions to address long-standing challenges. The opposition, however, has remained silent, choosing instead to focus on painting a picture of doom and gloom.
“The question that arises is why the opposition is ignoring such significant developments. The answer lies in the opposition’s political strategy. By acknowledging the Government’s achievements, the opposition would be forced to admit that Zimbabwe is making progress. This would undermine their narrative of ‘a country in crisis’, which is central to their political platform,” said Dube.
Zimbabwe’s economic potential is immense, and one of the sectors that have shown significant promise is mining.
The Bikita lithium sulphate plant, an investment of US$500 million, is a prime example of how Zimbabwe is leveraging its natural resources to drive economic growth. Lithium is a critical mineral in the production of batteries and, with the global shift towards renewable energy and electric vehicles, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to become a major player in the global lithium market.
The establishment of the lithium sulphate plant is a clear indication that Zimbabwe is open for business and that the Government is creating an environment conducive to investment.
This is a far cry from the opposition’s portrayal of a country in crisis.
In reality, Zimbabwe is attracting significant investment in key sectors, which will not only boost the economy but also create jobs and improve living standards for ordinary Zimbabweans.
“These are not the actions of a Government that is failing; they are the actions of a Government that is focused on building a better future. It is time to put to rest the unfounded claims that Zimbabwe is in a crisis. The evidence is clear; Zimbabwe is developing, and its infrastructure projects are playing a pivotal role in driving regional economic growth. The US$330 million saved for SADC is not just a number; it represents the tangible benefits of a country that is actively contributing to the prosperity of its neighbours.
“One of the most significant missteps of the opposition has been its persistent focus on painting Zimbabwe as a nation in perpetual crisis. While it is true that Zimbabwe faces challenges, as do all nations, the opposition has exaggerated these issues, portraying them as insurmountable obstacles created solely by the Government’s alleged incompetence. This narrative has become the cornerstone of the opposition’s political strategy, but it has come at a cost.
“By relentlessly pushing a crisis narrative, the opposition has alienated itself from a significant portion of the electorate who are more concerned with practical solutions to their everyday problems. Instead of offering viable alternatives or constructive criticism, the opposition has often resorted to grandstanding and sensationalism. This approach has not only weakened their credibility but has also eroded public trust in their ability to deliver on the political and economic front.”
The opposition’s failure to acknowledge or support any of the Government’s achievements has isolated them. For instance, the Government’s prolific infrastructure development programme, which includes the modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post and the expansion of the country’s road network, has been largely ignored or downplayed by the opposition.
This is despite the fact that these projects are crucial for Zimbabwe’s long-term economic growth and regional integration. By refusing to engage with these developments in a meaningful way, the opposition has positioned itself as an entity that is more interested in gaining cheap political mileage than in the country’s progress.
But Zimbabwe’s development is on firm footing and that has become an indisputable fact.
These efforts are not merely cosmetic changes but are aimed at building a strong and resilient economy that can withstand both internal and external pressures.
“The Government’s focus on various projects is part of a broader vision to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous and self-reliant nation. However, for this vision to be realised, it is essential that all Zimbabweans, including the opposition, recognise and support these efforts. When elections are conducted and done with, all parties involved should be in a nation-building mode and desist from bickering and seeking to destroy the efforts of those governing and building the nation for all citizens. Building a strong and resilient economy requires unity of purpose and a shared commitment to the country’s future.
“As Zimbabweans, it is crucial to appreciate the bigger picture and understand that development is a process that requires time, effort and, most importantly, a stable foundation. The Government’s current initiatives are designed to secure this foundation, ensuring that the country’s progress is built on solid ground rather than on shaky footing,” said Dube.
“The opposition’s focus on short-term political gains at the expense of long-term development is a disservice to the nation. It is important to remember that real and lasting change does not happen overnight. It requires careful planning, strategic investments and, most importantly, the collective effort of all Zimbabweans, regardless of political affiliation.”
Zimbabwe is at a critical juncture in its history. The choices made today will determine the country’s trajectory for years to come. It is, therefore, imperative that Zimbabweans reject the opposition’s crisis narrative and focus on supporting the Government’s efforts to build a better future for all.
The opposition in Zimbabwe has been its own worst enemy, prioritising political expediency over the country’s long-term development. Their relentless focus on portraying Zimbabwe as a nation in crisis has not only weakened their credibility but has also hindered their ability to engage constructively with the Government’s development agenda.