Degrees In Incompetence

The Stae is in denial.'Incompetence the problem,not ....sanctions,' by Samson Hamandishe, on newzimbabwe.com, offers a clear eyed view on Zimbabwe's sanction situation.

Samson Hamandishe highlights the heavy sanctions imposed on Cuba, Venezuela and Iran that have seen these countrys generate economic growth and relative stability. This is in stark contrast to Zimbabwe's continual decline since 1980.

Rhodesia(pre-independent Zimbabwe) was sanctioned and grew its industry. Even before sanctions, between 1980-1989, Zimbabwe's industry was rapidly declining. Sanctions cannot be blamed for this continual de-industrialisation, the cause of decline is poor policy and incompetent policy implementation.

Blame Games

Zanu PF has conceded defeat, already, with regard to employment creation. Since 1980, unemployment (in the formal sector) has crept up from 7% to 95% today. At election time, Zanu PF  promised to create 2 million jobs in the next five years. Zanu PF has now declared these jobs will not be forthcoming as the result of sanctions.

Ian Smith governed under international sanction and still created jobs. This was achieved by preserving industry. Since independence, Zanu PF has commandeered the destruction of industry. Year after year has brought one excuse after another.

Year after year, lofty economic blueprints are presented to no avail. Each economic plan and blueprint brings with it further economic decline. Before blueprints are implemented, Zanu PF is ready to blame this or that for repeated failures. About time the revolutionary party took some responsibility and delivered at least some semblance of democracy, thus allowing Zimbabweans the opportunity to compete and prosper.