Zimbabwe needs us

The political and social unrest in Zimbabwe, sparked by a major hike in petrol prices, has escalated and according to reports shops have been pillaged and police cars burned. At least 12 people are said to have died following violent protests that started on 14 January. Our neighbours are clearly in turmoil as that country battles its worst economic crisis in years, and reviving the fortunes of what was once referred to as the breadbasket of southern Africa remains a mammoth task for the new regime. The election of leader Emmerson Mnangagwa in August last year signalled hope and a new dawn for a country whose citizens have long been subjected to intimidation, harassment, imprisonment and torture in an effort to crush political dissent against the regime of former president Robert Mugabe. The elections last year were without doubt a wonderful opportunity for the people of Zimbabwe to determine their own destiny and be the masters of the own future. But they are now staring another round of economic collapse in the face following the fuel price hikes, which brought the cost of a litre of petrol in that country to the equivalent of about N$46. That is unsustainable. In addition, the economic situation playing out in Zimbabwe shows exactly how political patronage has destroyed that country over the years. Many of the politically connected prefer to live lavishly with little regard for the poor, and this exactly what is happening in Zimbabwe. It is also very disappointing to see that despite the huge effects that the current economic crisis in Zimbabwe has on SADC and Africa in general, the regional and continental bodies have repeatedly failed to intervene, including African leaders being disconcertingly silent on sustained conflict and human rights abuses in many countries. Having said that, it is our sincere hope that regional powerhouses like South Africa and all SADC members will use their influence to call tyrannical administrations to order, push for acceptable reforms in best interest of the people of Zimbabwe and guard against a complete collapse of this wonderful country.