In Zimbabwe, the prospect of having heart surgery, let alone a transplant, is a distant dream for many due to outdated medical practices and inadequate facilities. However, in this article, we won’t be delving into the healthcare system’s woes. Instead, we’ll focus on a different kind of operation – one involving a struggling company and a political party’s insatiable appetite for control.
Imagine trying to ride a dead donkey. It’s an impossible task, much like trying to revive a failing company by simply changing its ownership. COTTCO (Cotton Company of Zimbabwe) serves as a perfect example of this futile endeavor. Currently in a state of decline, COTTCO faces an uncertain future as the ruling party, ZANU PF, plans to gain control of this ailing company.
The root causes of COTTCO’s woes include corruption and a disregard for the rule of law. If ZANU PF succeeds in taking control, it will likely deliver a fatal blow to the company. Not only will production slump, but jobs will be lost, and foreign currency earnings from cotton and cotton product exports will dwindle further. ZANU PF’s approach is reactionary rather than responsive, focusing on treating symptoms rather than addressing the deeper issues at hand.
One of the main threats to COTTCO is the diversion of inputs and funds meant for purchasing cotton from farmers, as well as the siphoning of company assets by both company officials and ZANU PF members or clients. The ruling party’s attempt to seize control of the company will only exacerbate these issues, leading to its demise.
Impunity runs rampant among those pillaging COTTCO, fueled by the privilege of being associated with ZANU PF. The ruling party provides a shield of protection, allowing corruption to flourish unchecked.
During the innovative opposition’s golden era from 2008 to 2012, there was no need to acquire struggling companies. Instead, these companies experienced a resurgence in production as the opposition championed a liberalized economy, free from market interference and corruption. This approach incentivized industry growth, highlighting the futility of ZANU PF’s controlling stake strategy.
Transparency and accountability, championed by the opposition, dealt a severe blow to corruption during the Government of National Unity. Corruption levels in Zimbabwe dropped significantly during this period, with any remaining instances primarily linked to ZANU PF. Companies thrived under the opposition’s emphasis on accountability and transparency, prioritizing the welfare of the people.
The key issues plaguing Zimbabwe, such as the disregard for the rule of law, human rights violations, and property rights abuses, are largely perpetrated by ZANU PF. These actions are driven by the party’s desire to maintain its grip on power and shield itself from prosecution for past crimes. It’s an attempt to preserve the ill-gotten wealth accumulated during ZANU PF’s destructive governance.
Rather than seeking controlling stakes in companies, which often result in looting, ZANU PF should focus on reforming itself out of power. This would pave the way for a peaceful transition of power to the opposition, offering a much-needed solution to Zimbabwe’s political and economic challenges. The restoration of the rule of law and constitutionalism would precede accountability, transparency, and the eventual eradication of corruption. Liberalizing the economy and safeguarding property rights would discourage the need for controlling stakes, ultimately benefiting both private and public industries.
In conclusion, ZANU PF’s attempt to gain control of struggling companies like COTTCO is akin to trying to ride a dead donkey. It’s a futile endeavor that will only worsen the situation. Instead, the ruling party should focus on reforming itself and allowing the opposition to take the reins, paving the way for a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s economy and its people.