Mapombi as a woman supports women to take leadership roles in all sectors, be it government, Zanu PF, CCC, private sector, parastatals etc. I am a feminist I can say, but not a radical one, pamwe panoda kuonerwa kwete kungoti women women nepasingade. I heard kuManicaland vatanga heee toda vakadzi hee what what kuda kuita the most powerful women in Zimbabwe and probably in the region, Oppah Chamu Zvipange Muchinguri Kashiri a constituency. I am not sure if all those names will fit in paBallot paper kkkk. You didn’t know she is the most powerful, first woman in Zimbabwe and the region to head a country’s ministry of defence. Chairing the most despotic party in the region moti ipower rekutamba naro imiwee. Manje I heard she wants to be MP again kwake ikoko apa she was a senator kkk, nhamo, ko kuenda kuJongwe House kune vamwe uko or kutonotamba nevazukuru kumba nhai ambuya Kashiri. Go and rest Oppah usiye zveparliament izvi, kubva 1980 hauneti wakaita seiko? Unless you are crazy, I think you are, ndakatombonzwa kuti dzopota dzichitamba nepwere ipopaya. I am sure you all heard what she said gore riya, hanzi Covid 19 was a punishment to the West for giving us sanctions kkkk. Zvakazoguma nepi, didn’t it kill people here? Nxaa enda unozorora Oppah usiyane neNoiz yemuParliamnet.
Congrats to Cde Jongwe Masuka on receiving the overall best performer in the performance evaluation kkkk, I am not sure if he deserves it but what I know is Soda Zhemu should get the worst perfomer award kkk.Asi Jongwe nekutirimutsa kwaanoita vanhu vasingashandi muMinistry make, he arguably deserves it. He is doing nothing and I doubt if he is failing or he wants to sabotage Zanu PF as we go for elections. Isn’t he Jonathan Moyo’s disciple? Anoda kuongororwa because he is doing a good job in destroying Zanu PF from within sezvakataurwa naMusoro bhangu. Hanzi the only way to destroy Zanu PF is to do it from within and he almost succeeded in 2017 had it not been Kedha’s intervention. Paya yakapotsa yafa paya, where do you think yaienda kupi with the likes of Dr Stop It at the helm, the king of bootlicking Kudzai Apolojersey Chipanga aripo then the likes of ana Shamhu vekuti vaMugabe iCremora kkkk, zvatinomboona isu. Politiburo to discuss postponement of elections would have been done kuHeroes Acre as had been promised naKudzai kkkk.
I heard its cold out there and the comrades are doing whatever it takes to return to the party and government. I have seen kedu Kudzi has submitted his CV, ari kutochida paHeadlands ipapo and I am sure paya aiva mwana and he has learnt his lesson as he promised that day kuvakomana. I hear the politburo failed to vet the CVs in time and elections are likely to be postponed kkk, kutambura nemaCV of those who want to get in power and eat. MaG40 akakanda hobho and ari kuvatemesa musoro, they were caught unaware, they thought kujumha vanhu will limit the number of participants kkkk manje iii, they were ready and maG40s akawandisa. But naivowo vanhu kkkk, sure munhu kungotengera vanhu flour yekubika chingwa iye ari kuUK aakutoti ndoda kuita MP, haa mashura andooona ini. The constitution should be changed, on MPs and Councillors, no one should run for more than 2 five year terms. Age should be considered as well as level of education and property. We can’t have 75 year olds throwing in CVs and other people who have been in positions since 1980. Taneta nemaCareer MPs, vana Joram Gumbo, Sithembiso Nyoni etc. hazvisi ikoko kwega, we have them kuMDC and CCC, ana Amos Chibaya, Madimure paKambuzuma apo nana Biti ivava, they are career MPs. Siiraiwo vana Ostallos nana Ngadziore kuCCC uko, kuZanu hatichatauri.
But uyu anonzi Togarasei Mwonzora munoti haasati oda psychiatric evaluation imi? Mukati dzakanyatsoti kwesere imi? I had forgiven him for all the recalls he had done and zviya zvaaiti president vachienda kumabeby nebango ravo iwe nerako, all that nonsense takangoti tine benzi redu kudzana unopururudza but I think this is now too much. I hear he is now seeking for postponement of polls, what is he afraid of? He talks of delimitation which was flawed, how does that affect him kunge ane vanhu. He should just shut up and plan how he is going to survive after elections coz pake pari kupera soon.
He is not alone in the fear of the elections; Zanu PF is in a more panicky mode inzwai neni. They are busy oiling and greasing the rigging and violence machines kkkk. This month they have hiked salaries for our guys in uniforms, kuti kana votumwa zvisanetsa. I am told the Army is going on public order training kkkkk, hakudanwe anonzwa, tichadzidza zvakawanda mirai muone zvenyu. Funny enough they are being trained nePolice kkkkk. Zanu PF is desperate ladies and gentlemen and they will stop at nothing so please be careful. But ndopaidaka Sikhala apa, let me not say much ndingaswera ndamwiswa zvangu masewage kuno kkk. But just know the best way to put out fire is to start another fire in its direction and control it. Pazvinosanaga unobva wangodzima. Vanonzwa vatonzwa so.
Before I go hangu kunokanga maputi, is there anyone who knows about the Aljazeera documentary, rava papi. Or rakatobuda mukaona mega zvenyu and didn’t tell me. After all who cares about a seemingly crazy woman paChitima. Ndozvomofungaka kuti ndopenga, ignore me at your own peril. But the guys who did that documentary should not play with our minds, elections are around the corner, we need it so that we won’t vote for people who have been fingered in corruption. It’s not only about Zanu PF intimidating vanhu, vanhu vangwara vaakuziva zvavanoda. I heard kuZaka uko vachiti there is nothing chinobhowa like votting for someone wausina kumborutsa doro rake kkkk. Kudya havaregi but pekuvhotera vava kupaziva, I am not sure kuti inonzi Madhuku strategy here or ndiyo Mango strategy hameno, what I know is just that it’s a strategy. Aaaa manje maprimaries have been postponed, what it means is more kudyiwa nekumwiwa for candidates, more smoking for supporter’s kkkk. More noise for people of Masvingo as Mahwende and Pande drum up support from residents at night kunge mbavha. Mukavaonawo vanaMahwende moti vapfuure nepachitima vasiye mabond ndimbotengawo hangu mabanana asina kuora. Regai tidye, after all imari dzenyika idzi. Votasvurana PANDE OTI Mahwende ndewekuGweru uye hapana chakiatwa kuward 6 iyewo onzi ndeweHarare but vachizvinetserei, protest vote awaits them and seat roenda naChimuti wekwaNero iro.
I heard Tinashe Mugabe was in the ancient city, tichanzwa zvakawanda hedu, hanzi he wants to make sure that everyone goes to vote from his father’s place kkkk. From here please Tinashe head straight to Bulawayo, there is a paternity case that needs to be tackled there in our beloved VP Mphoko’s home. Hanzi he threw his son out recently. Hameno asiri kuzikanwa ndibaba or mai hameno please go and address that one please, our VP’s home is on fire. Greet Mphoko for me when you get there. Mboko Imboko !!!!
Zanu PF now in panic mode
ZIMCODD launches #TakeAction campaign
Beverly Bizeki
The Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) on March 16, 2023 launched a new campaign dubbed #TakeAction and an application called the Citizen App which comes after the #HowFar campaign.
In a statement released by ZIMCODD, the #TakeAction campaign is meant to raise citizens’ urgency in demanding for transparency and accountability.
“Zimbabwe continues to face serious public accountability and transparency questions seen through the corruption scandals that break every day. This persistent loss of public resources has caused citizens’ lives to get harder as service delivery becomes poorer and economic indicators continue to fall. The brunt of this crisis is faced by the poor & vulnerable,” read the statement.
The campaign is also meant to bring about citizens and other stakeholders to participate in developing a culture of transparency and accountability.
“The #TakeAction campaign is a call to action for all citizens to raise their agency through demanding transparency and accountability. Beyond asking duty-bearers to account (#HowFar), the current campaign is a call to action for citizens to go the extra mile,” the statement read.
The citizen app enables citizens to upload reports on various issues that require accountability.
“The application receives reports report mismanagement of public resources, service delivery issues, corruption etc.
“Citizens can upload reports, journalists can gather evidence for investigative pieces while public institutions such as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission & Zimbabwe Republic Police can investigate the reported cases,” read the statement.
The campaign was launched online and the citizen app is available for download on Android devices.
ZIMCODD is a socio-economic justice coalition that was established in 2000 to facilitate citizens’ involvement in making public policy more pro-people.
The #HowFar campaign which was launched in 2021 held duty bearers accountable by asking key questions on accountability.
Masvingo City takes over Mucheke terminus refurbishment
TellZim reporter
Masvingo City Council has resolved to take over refurbishment works at Mucheke Bus Terminus in a move aimed at bringing to an end the impasse between the local authority and transporters as the latter had resorted to use of the Central Business District (CBD) for picking and dropping travellers.
Minutes of the Public Works and Planning Committee meeting held on February 23, 2023 showed that council is set for the takeover.
“The need for expediting the refurbishment of Mucheke Bus Terminus was highlighted. It was proposed that, council should take over the renovation of the bus terminus instead of engaging a contractor since this was delaying the process. On the same note, it was also highlighted that council should also make an effort to find accommodation for people squatting at the same terminus,” read part of the minutes.
The issue of council driving all transporters as part of enforcement of an already existing by-law saw all nine councillors present during the meeting except Against Chiteme absent confronting management over the issue.
During the full council meeting held on February 27, ward 10 councillor Sengerayi Manyanga threatened to move out of the meeting in protest over failure to drive buses and other vehicles out of town to the bus terminus.
“Your Worship, it’s better for me to move out of this meeting unless the matter of driving buses out of the CBD is addressed. It would be better for council to give me even four municipal police officers to mann Croco Motors point (main pick up point along the highway to Harare and Bulawayo) and I assure you, the busses will move out,” said Manyanga.
However Town Clerk Edward Mukaratirwa suggested a more amicable solution to the problem saying plans are under way to create a mini terminus at Croco Motors and that would be convenient for travellers and transporters while at the same time ensuring some revenue is realised on the part of council.
“Instead of trying to employ a radical solution to the problem, it would rather be wiser to look for a practical solution to it. As management, we have looked at a number of issues in terms of coming up with strategies to ensure enforcement while at the same time considering resources to be used.
“As council, our resources are constrained such that on forcing these buses out of CBD, we may incur an expenditure of US$ 1 000 but realising an income around US$ 200. So it would be a score on driving them out but resources would have been wasted. Management suggestion was why don’t we put those resources towards improvement of the facility (terminus).
“Also in terms of our dynamics on travelling matters, we may also need to consider having an official pick and drop mini terminus at Croco Motors like the one down town at Metro Peech. We have already discussed with consultants of the firms working on Harare-Beitbridge (here in CBD) and agreed that they would surface the open space for us after which we will mark and demarcate the roads as well as putting a boom gate. That would be convenient for travellers and transporters,” said Eng Mukaratirwa.
He added that the construction of the highway that passes through Chimusana Bridge would also attract buses to the main rank in Mucheke and also the new CBD extension set for the area after Charumbira drive in the long run as people would access services similar to those in the existing CBD from that side of town.
Ward 5 councillor Daniel Mberikunashe also called for the need to bring to finality the issue of enforcing the resolution on buses though he accused those enforcing it of ‘lacking seriousness’.
“There is need to bring this issue to finality so that when we leave this meeting room, we know the truth concerning the matter. If the challenges require us to sit down again as policy makers and management, let it be the case,” said Mberikunashe.
Alderman Selina Maridza also expressed concern over the proliferation of new pick and drop up points mushrooming in and around the city as transporters defy the orders to leave the CBD.
Council has been locked in a battle with transporters as the former tried to push the later out of the CBD as there are no ablution facilities at such points making them not suitable for operating as mini ranks.
Two women join Chiredzi Zanu PF primaries race
…As Zanu PF primary election campaign reaches climax
Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI-For the first time in the history of Chiredzi politics, two female candidates have joined the race for parliamentary seats, unfortunately in the same constituency, as Zanu PF heads for primary elections on March 18, with candidates exploring every little opportunity to elbow each other off the race.
Retired Detective Darlington Chiwa’s former wife, Miriam Dhanda joined the race for Chiredzi West, together with Eustina Magocha, who is in the provincial women’s league.
The two women however face a daunting task in their bid to unseat incumbent MP Farai Musikavanhu.
Dhanda has been with the grassroots ever since Chiwa joined politics after retiring from the police force and she is well versed with the politicking of the area, though in most communities, women are deemed inferior to men which may prove to be their only disadvantage.
Chiredzi West constituency is another seemingly tricky battle ground where Roy Bhila is backing Retired Detective Darlington Chiwa, who was defeated by Musikavanhu during the last primary elections.
South African based flamboyant businessman, Shingirai Mubhoyi is also aiming to represent the ruling party in the same constituency, which might be a mammoth task for him, taking into consideration the ties Chiwa has with the Triangle community with Bhila covering him in the wards which were once in Chiredzi North.
The educator and DCC vice chairperson, Norman Sharara is also battling it out with other titans to represent the party in the forthcoming harmonized elections.
Sharara is one of the oldest party cadres, who at consensus should be given the post on a silver platter if the situation was different.
Some aspiring councillors are pumping money towards their campaign especially in the newly established Chiredzi Central constituency.
Chiredzi district, after the Zimbabwe Electoral Commissions (ZEC) delimitation exercise, was left with five from previously four constituencies namely Chiredzi South, North, West, Central and East with most constituencies having more than three candidates vying for tickets to represent Zanu PF in the harmonized polls set for later this year.
In Chiredzi Central, the most heated constituency, two titans, Farai Musikavanhu, a Former Agricultural Director at Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ) and currently Chiredzi West Member of Parliament will battle it out with Former Chiredzi Town Council (CTC) chairperson Francis Moyo.
It is still not clear who will make it, though Moyo, a few weeks ago made headlines in newspapers over a Nhamo Commission report, which implicated him in some of the issues which many commented were to the best interest of residents, is seemingly to be gaining ground.
Another geographically big constituency but less populated, Chiredzi South, where Retired Brigadier General Kalisto Gwanetsa is current MP, is still tricky, as part of it was affected by the Dendairy Lucerne project, which may cost him in the upcoming elections as he is poised to battle with former Police Officer and businessman, Joel Sithole.
Only two candidates are also competing in this constituency, with Gwanetsa having an upper hand due to his developmental efforts and good rapport with Zanu PF branches and councillors as compared to Sithole.
Another candidate who might have it easy is Roy Bhila of Chiredzi North who previously garnered close to 50 000 votes during the 2018 harmonized elections. Though the constituency, which was cut both sides into East and West, has no history of retaining a seating MP, the candidates he is facing are presumably weak and cannot match his antics.
Before the delimitation exercise, Shingirayi Mubhoyi, a South African based businessperson was the one who once shook Bhila’s fontanel before he was cut to Chiredzi West.
In Chiredzi North, Bhila will battle it out with Neromwe Chieftainship candidate, Joseph Matumba of the Romwe clan, who is a former Central Intelligence Officer (CIO).
Matumba is not a much threat as he was once completely defeated in the run up to 2018 harmonized elections.
Daniel Mawere, a civil servant is also willing to battle it out with Roy Bhila.
Mawere is currently Zanu PF District Coordinating Committee’s (DCC) Secretary for Information, with ward 20 councillor Yeukai Matsaure also vying for the same post.
In Chiredzi East, all is not well for the former Intelligence Officer, Denford Masiya who has been openly discussed by his royalties that he no longer represents their interests.
Masiya was taking advantage of the Xhangani Community, whose other wards were migrated to Chiredzi South, with the Ndau’s under Chief Gudo also being merged into Chiredzi East, as they are willing to give one of their own Siyaki Mundungehama, DCC chairperson a chance to represent their constituency.
Another former Intelligence Officer and former Provincial Political Commissar Jevas Masosota, is seemingly a better candidate than Masiya, with some allegiance to the remaining Xhangani wards whose interests in Parliament he can represent, will have to face a stiff competition from Mundungehama than from Masiya.
His chances to represent the party are very slim, though he is well popular in the district.
Zanu PF Gweru geared for upcoming primary elections
Tinaani Nyabereka
Zanu PF Gweru District Coordinating Committee (DCC) Information and Publicity Secretary Victor Maride has said the party is ready for this Saturday (March 18, 2023)’s primary elections.
Maride who also is vying for Gweru Urban constituency seat said the party was only waiting for the primaries so that they can start campaigning for the general election later this year.
“We are ready for the primaries. The process is so far going on smoothly,” Maride said.
Zanu PF National Political commissar Mike Bimha also reiterated that the party was and candidates were supposed to be guided by the given election guidelines.
Some of the aspiring candidates who have submitted their names for Gweru Urban are Maride, Zezai Makomo, Alex Mukwembi, Costain Mukanganiki, Aurther Gore, Elaga Tinarwo and Esau Natare.
Mkoba North Constituency has a tight contest between Edgar Ncube, Kudakwashe Shambare and Ernest Gondo.
Mkoba South will see Militao and Wellington Magura standing up to the contest.
In Chiwundura, Lindiwe Bidi, Rangani Chauke, Vivian Maponga, Kwideni Sleiman and Kumbulani Ngwenya will battle it out for the constituency, while Brown Ndlovu, Lyton Moyo and Omega Sibanda will battle it for Vungu constituency.
The submission of the CV’s by party candidates has been seen as a time signal that the country to is on the verge of conducting the 2023 harmonized elections as President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to proclaim the election date soon.
Zimbabwe harmonised elections are set to take place before August 26 this year.
Matutu tastes murky Mwenezi waters
…Mwenezi East presents opportune for political newcomers and periodic losers
Cephas Shava
Mwenezi-The ruling Zanu Pf party’s primary polls slated for Saturday, March 18, is likely set to be one of the most competitive of all races in the three Mwenezi constituencies, Mwenezi East, West and the newly gazetted Mwenezi North as most aspirants for both contests be it legislative and council seats are no pushovers.
Incumbent Mwenezi East legislator Master Makope who has opted to race for Mwenezi North will square off with former MDC Masvingo Central (now urban) Tongai Matutu and Peter Shotere.
Having been Mwenezi East legislator since the death of former Member of Parliament, Joosbi Omar, Makope has done fairly well in terms of keeping in touch with the electorate.
Given that during his short term in office he at least had something tangible for the people of Mwenezi, there are some possibilities that the electorate can give him another opportunity for a clean full term to fully demonstrate his capabilities.
Makope’s rival Matutu is unpredictable. Given his vast political experience in the opposition ranks coupled with his oratory giftedness, he can pull a shocker for Makope.
Given that Makope and Matutu’s rural homes are just a stone’s throw away from each other, they are also likely to divide votes.
Matutu defected from the opposition movement and joined Zanu PF but judging by the manner in which party leader Emmerson Mnangagwa keeps mentioning his name during political gatherings, he may be a force to reckon.
Matutu commanded a huge following during his tenure in Masvingo urban and this time around, people are ready to see if he can as well command such popularity among the rural electorate considering that in most cases, the urban vote in favour of opposition has been named ‘protest vote’ against Zanu PF.
In the event that the voter sharing concept prevails between Makope and Matutu, Shotere is likely to have the last laugh as he hails far away from other aspirants.
Shotere is a senior Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) employee based in Chiredzi who hails from Mwenezi North’s ward 6.
Although Shotere has little known political experience, he as well is a potential threat to the other contenders because for the past months he had been restlessly moving around the constituency helping people to register to vote and sponsoring sport tournaments.
Mwenezi East constituency is another battle ground without any predetermined winner where a total of five political novices and long-time periodic primary election losers are also tightly locking horns.
Jabulani Mberesi, a lawyer by profession, who came second in the race to replace the late Omar strongly believes that this is his only chance to win the ticket to represent the constituency where he had been a perennial loser in the previous party primary elections.
Yunis Sams Omar, younger brother to the late legislator Joosbi has also submitted his Curriculum Vitae for Mwenezi East.
Resourceful as he is, Sams is banking on using his late brother’s tactics and popularity to win the hearts of the electorate.
Youthful Sheillah Chikomo has also thrown her name into the ring for the Mwenezi East battle.
Well-known in the local party circles and having been visible making some donations and supporting sporting activities in her area, Chikomo has for long been making a name for herself.
A well-known influential Zanu PF member who previously worked at senior party posts, Kenneth Sibanda has also joined the race for Mwenezi East.
One Tavengana Muzenda from Mwenezi East’s ward 13 in Chingwizi area is also among the contenders.
A total of six candidates are vying for Mwenezi West constituency. The incumbent legislator Priscilla Zindari-Moyo who is wife to Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) Director-General Isaac Moyo is being challenged by Tafadzwa Masvayamwando who came second in the 2018 primary election.
Considering her well-resourced campaign team, challenging Zindari-Moyo needs more than a mere talk for the other aspirants.
Masvayamwando, who in the previous polls attributed his loss to massive rigging is hoping for a change of tactics to win the ticket to represent Mwenezi West.
Former Zanu Pf Mwenezi District Chairperson Renious Muchoko has also joined the battle for Mwenezi West together with School head Obey Mbiza.
Clarance Mhosva and one Baloyi are also among those who had submitted CVs for Mwenezi West.
The Zanu PF party Mwenezi races are not only tight for those racing for legislator’s posts but it’s a dog eat dog scenario in the council races.
More than half of the incumbent councillors are likely to be shown the exit door as a new crop of potentially capable local authority representatives have emerged within the Zanu PF.
Winners from the Zanu PF primary elections will battle it out with representatives from the opposition parties in the harmonised elections whose dates are yet to be announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Armed robbers on the loose in Mwenezi
Perpetua Murungweni
Six armed robbers last week attacked and robbed a business centre and school in Mwenezi before getting away with cash and property.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwakwe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway as police are looking for any information that will lead to the arrest of the culprits.
“No arrest was made as the culprits escaped and investigations are underway and we are appealing to the public to help us with information that can lead to the arrest of the culprits,” said Dhewa.
The armed robbers arrived at Dick Business Centre under Chief Chitanga in Mwenezi in the night and went into Pazai bar where they threatened the saleslady with knives and a gun before collecting money and phones.
“The six robbers entered Pazai bar where they took R740 and US$ 20 and two smartphones from the bar lady. Five of the robbers were holding knives while one of them was holding a pistol and they also ordered patrons to lie down and took another R250 from one of the patrons,” said Dhewa.
The armed robbers then went into Ramonga shop where they threatened a female juvenile by firing three shots.
“The robbers went on to rob Ramonga shop where they threatened a juvenile by firing three shots and took a sum of R1 500 and US$ 50 and then flee away,” added Dhewa.
Inspector Dhewa indicated that after terrorizing Dick Business Center, the robbers then went Munhundishe primary school where they robbed two female teachers and beat up the deputy Headmaster demanding cash from the school safe.
“After terrorizing the business centre the robbers went Munhundishe Primary School where they robbed two female teachers, took a smartphone from the other one and R70 and US$ 60 from the other one. They went on to the deputy Headmaster and beat him up demanding cash from the school safe,” said Dhewa.
Re-dollarization Part 2: Is this the right path forward for Zimbabwe?
By Zvikomborero Sibanda
Last week, I highlighted that the economy is rapidly re-dollarizing as supported by the latest official statistics. I further argued that dollarization is two-handed and that Zimbabwe needs to go through dollarization if it is to attain durable stability – a prerequisite for a mono-currency regime. This week’s part 2 seeks to explain the intuition behind this view by separating time horizons into the medium term (3-5 years) and the long term.
1. Medium-term Horizon
Zimbabwe should embrace dollarization of its economy in the short-to-medium term for the following reasons:
A Leaf from Economic History
Generally, flexible and progressive policymaking should accommodate lessons from history. A review of previous dollarization reform cases shows that dollarization is nearly permanent. Economic history also shows that forced de-dollarization always backfires. In addition, history lessons show that successful de-dollarization can only be secured through the implementation of prudent market-driven policies and robust reforms. It is relatively easier to increase market uptake of government policy and reforms in a stable macroeconomic environment. So, the guaranteed price stability from dollarization makes it a de facto policy for the medium-term horizon. This gives room for dampening government policy lags -recognition, implementation, and impact lags.
We are all dead in the long-run
Policymaking should not only be laser-focused on the economy neglecting the “human face”. Official statistics show that the Zimbabwe dollar (ZWL) erased over 80% of its value against the US dollar in 2022. The pass-through effect of inflation is affecting business predictability and eroding the real value of disposable incomes and pensions. This is deepening poverty and widening societal inequalities. For instance, the World Bank estimates that over 40% of the total population was trapped in abject poverty in 2022.
Poverty undermines human development as it fuels all forms of discrimination, drug abuse, early marriages, crime rates, and instability. Recently, the government has elevated its war on drug use, especially among unemployed youths who have found solace in substance abuse. This shows that there is a need to find a quick economic fix before the nation witnesses the derailment of the future aspiration of the youth. As I highlighted last week, dollarization brings instant exchange rate and price stability which can help attract private investment.
Quick Results
Some economic commentators are arguing for other alternatives to dollarization like the adoption of a currency board system. This system comprises a fixed exchange rate, backing requirement, legal commitment, and unrestricted convertibility. It takes time to set up a currency board as it requires adequate political will. Just as the case with ongoing high-level structured public debt dialogues between the government and its creditors, a currency board also requires both commitment and uninterrupted implementation. More so, the currency board operating guidelines must be spelled in legislation, an independent and competent panel must be established, and foreign exchange reserves mobilized. All this may consume time thus aggravating economic injury.
But dollarization is quick as it does not always require a consensus among economic agents. Dollarization can be by a de facto market process without an official decree. This gives businesses and workers an immediate cushion against exchange rate losses and clamps incessant price growth. So, while authorities are exploring long-term policy strategies, there must be an alternative for the short-to-medium term.
Investment Promotion
While there are many initial conditions to be met to bolster FDI inflows such as stable politics, consistent policymaking, and respect for property rights, the use of a stronger widely accepted currency like the USD may partly attract foreign investors. It can also promote locals to increase their investments knowing that the use of foreign currency can greatly insulate them from some major endogenous shocks. More so, the adoption of the USD in the medium term could increase forex liquidity in the official markets thus helping kick-start industrial re-tooling and importation of critical industrial raw materials.
2. Long-term Horizon
As alluded to earlier, economic history shows that dollarization is nearly permanent. To escape this vicious trap, de-dollarization must be viewed as a process, not an event. I, therefore, submit that Zimbabwe will need more time and policy actions to run a mono-currency regime, that is, use the ZWL as sole legal tender. This is because USD is costly in the long term as briefly articulated hereunder.
Loss of Autonomy
The perpetual use of USD is tantamount to the loss of the monetary policymaking arm of the government. Last week, I highlighted that this policy arm helps the government in the management of currency exchange rates and inflation as well as ensuring financial market stability. As such, losing this policy arm will constrain the government’s ability to promote local production and create decent jobs for citizens. Also, by using US monetary policy, the Zimbabwe government will lose seigniorage revenues it can accrue from the minting of coins and printing of banknotes. This revenue help governments worldwide fund national security, public services, and other development programs.
Furthermore, dollarization is unsustainable in the long term because it largely constrains authorities’ ability to respond to bank crises. Today’s world of rapid technological changes, climatic changes, and rising geopolitical tensions makes financial markets more vulnerable to shocks than ever before. So, to be able to effectively deal with such crises like liquidity crunch, authorities must be able to print money as needed. In short, dollarization cripples the lender-of-last-resort function of the RBZ.
Size of the Economy
Zimbabwe is a small developing nation in sub-Saharan Africa while the United States is the world’s largest economy. Largely because of US economic dominance in global economic affairs, its stable currency faces a high global demand. Therefore, it will be unsustainable for Zimbabwe to use the USD indefinitely as this renders it uncompetitive. A stronger USD makes Zimbabwean-made goods expensive for regional counterparts using their weak currencies while making foreign-made products cheap in the eyes of Zimbabweans. In the end, this may balloon the trade deficit leading to the closure of domestic factories and associated job losses.
Thwart National Pride
Having a functional currency and competent industries with the ability to fulfil most domestic demand can be a source of national pride. This helps in boosting social cohesion thus increasing public participation and policy ownership. However, using the USD for the long term may expose domestic firms to excessive foreign competition, dumping of foreign goods, and hostile takeovers. The crowding-out of domestic firms and over-dependence on foreign companies present a great national security risk.
Cash Economy
Since RBZ will not be able to print USDs, adopting dollarization without formal approval from the issuing country can lead to severe economic consequences. This type of dollarization will be largely based on a cash economy -exchanging of real dollars in the market. However, a cash economy renders monetary policies ineffective, leads to change shortages, and promotes tax evasion, money laundering, and other illicit transactions. All these forms of externalization may result in acute forex shortages in the official markets and the creation of local USDs in the banking sector. These local USDs become the basis for multiple exchange rates in the economy which could in turn incentivize excessive speculation and arbitrage.
Conclusion
Re-dollarization of the economy was inevitable. The authorities initially followed a forced de-dollarization path despite a clear lack of durable macroeconomic stability. This pushed the USD to the epicenter again thereby completing a vicious cycle. To permanently break this cycle, authorities should pursue long-term market-driven policies that ensure the sustainability of a mono-currency regime. As such, next week the column will focus on the feasibility of recently announced government reforms to resolve the debt conundrum.
Zvikomborero Sibanda is an economic analyst and an astute researcher. He writes in his personal capacity. He can be contacted via email:
bravosibanda@gmail.com
Twitter: @bravon96
Bigger and better as Simbisa partners Troutbeck 2023
Branton Matondo
Popular fast food company Simbisa Brands has partnered Triathlon Zimbabwe as it seeks to become part of this year’s Bonaqua African Triathlon Cup Troutbeck 2023 Sponsor Group majored by Coca Cola.
Simbisa Brands which constitutes of Chicken Inn, Bakers Inn, Grab n GO, Creamy Inn and Pizza Inn has joined Coca Cola, Schweppes, Cimas i-Go, CFAO Motor Group, EcoCash and Rooney’s who already make up the sponsor group for the annual Troutbeck Triathlon showcase.
Bonaqua African Triathlon Cup (ATU) organiser Rick Fulton through an official statement said the partnership comes at a time when the competition is commemorating its 15th anniversary.
“We are very excited to have yet another blue-chip brand come on board for this event, now in its 15th consecutive year.
“We welcome Simbisa Brands on board and hope that this will be the start of long relationship with the sport and event. As with our entire Sponsor Group we value their loyalty and commitment to this event and we sincerely hope that they benefit exponentially from the branding, marketing and media exposure,” read the statement.
Simbisa Brands is not new to sporting partnership as it is also into football.
Meanwhile the Local Organising Committee (LOC) has speeded up efforts as the tournament takes centre stage on April 1 in Nyanga.
The 2023 Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup Troutbeck media team released communique released on March 9.
“In addition, the LOC are fine-tuning the various arrivals and departures of athletes from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to Troutbeck Resort and return. This exercise entails detailed planning for the Triathlon Zimbabwe ‘Meet-n-Greet’ team to coordinate the incoming international and regional athletes that will compete in the Elite Men and Women’s categories and also the Junior Elite categories for Junior, men and women,” added the statement.
This year’s edition will be one to watch as Zimbabwe’s contingent pitting Anje Van As, Makanaka and Matipa Mawere, George Ascott, Nicole Madya, Duwan Botha and the Mthethwa twins, Mandlenkosi and Musawenkosi look to forward to be added in the team.
Two time Troutbeck Elite Men’s gold medallist Ayan Beisenbayev from Kazakhstan will also be looking to top the medallist list.
Also making their way back to the much anticipated tourney are Badr Siwane from Morocco, Martin Demuth from Austria, Michal Oliwa from Poland, Meirlan Iskakov from Kazakhstan and Laurent L’Entete from Mauritius.
From the Elite women group, Shanae Williams who was the runner up in 2022, Bridget Theunissen and Jamie-Sue Vermaas all from South Africa return to compete for a position at the podium.
ZB bank rebranding model key in growing business
Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru- The move by financial institution ZB bank to rebrand its local branches into service centres has been described as a key step in growing the business to resonate with customer services.
The development was revealed by brand consultant Thamsanqa Moyo during the official launch of the Gweru Service Centre last week.
Moyo said that the branding concept was focused on shifting the position of the market through providing an all-inclusive service central point.
“The reason for the transformation was that they wanted to grow their business but in order to grow their business, they needed to change having learnt that the way they do the business has to resonate with their customers. How can you resonate with your customers without understanding what the customer need?
“To learn what the customers need, they learnt that maybe we are not configured properly without the audience. They were bold enough to then begin a transformation programme to say how do we reconfigure ourselves as an organization as a financial service, how do we transform ourselves so that we can match the needs of our customers.
He also said part of that was now brand repositioning to make their customers look at them a certain way.
“So when they did the examination to say how the market looks at us, they found out that they were synonymous with the old and slow, we were stable and strong and stiff like all other banks which are authoritative and friendly,” said Moyo.
“The organization decided to go through with the transformation. One of the things they did was to be digital, modern, want to be friendly and we want to be relevant. And now digital becomes a strong issue. They are the only ones with a mobile application that you can do banking, insurance and investment,” said Moyo.
He further said true branding was not changing the logo, but transforming the services.
“A brand is not a logo, it’s not a banner, it’s not a T-shirt, it is the gut feeling that someone has when they think of a product, service or company.
“So ZB decided to transform their brand to reflect how they want their customers to feel. What they have done is very bold world over; you will never see a financial service that will centralise the experiences of a customer.” he added.
ZB Bank Executive Head Projects and Programme manager organisational transformation, Patrick Tendai Huni said the transformation of Gweru branch into services centre was exciting as it was set on timelines.
“The transformation process was exciting, demanding and unique as it was done with set timelines. For Gweru service centre it was done on short space of time which is close to a month. In that phase, we say it is a life changing organisational transformation as it impacts on both customers , internal stuff as the same time bring convenience service to the market,” added Moyo.
The transformation brought in a new digital banking innovation which called ZB mobile application.
The application is an online convenient and secure platform to manage to money on the move around the clock. The feature packed app cater for things such as Logging into accounts from anywhere, around the world, checking account balances and transaction history, bill payments, Transfers, Viewing and assessing loans and term deposits among other services.