In the world of politics, it often seems like there is truly nothing new under the sun. The same old parties, the same old strategies, and unfortunately, the same old hare-brained schemes. Zimbabwe’s ruling party, the infamous ZANU PF, has a history of concocting embarrassingly laughable schemes in their desperate quest to retain power indefinitely. From Pfumvudza to mud ovens, command agriculture to bond notes, and the ill-fated interbank exchange platform, their track record is far from stellar. Now, they’ve unveiled their latest development idea, the introduction of gold coins, which is, unsurprisingly, bound to fail.
A Misguided Attempt to Destabilize the Local Currency
One of the primary objectives of the gold coins, as touted by ZANU PF, is to destabilize the local currency. The ruling party has consistently claimed that Zimbabwean currency is the strongest in the region. However, this assertion is met with skepticism from many quarters, especially considering the country’s economic woes. The reality is that the average Zimbabwean, particularly those living in rural areas, cannot afford to use these gold coins.
The majority of Zimbabweans, who have become political hostages of the corrupt and criminal ZANU PF due to the threat of food aid deprivation caused by food insecurity (largely induced by the same ruling party), will find it impossible to engage with these gold coins in daily transactions. When people struggle to afford basic necessities like cooking oil, flour, and sugar, expecting them to possess sufficient quantities of the local currency in the form of gold coins is nothing short of delusional.
An Invitation to Crime
The introduction of gold coins also poses a significant security risk. Zimbabwe has grappled with high levels of crime, including armed robberies. With the economy failing to provide employment opportunities for a vast number of youths (roughly ninety percent), many have turned to criminal activities, including armed robbery. The allure of gold coins, as opposed to electronics like laptops and smartphones, will undoubtedly attract more criminals.
The discreet and valuable nature of gold coins makes them an ideal target for thieves, and tracking such transactions becomes even more challenging. Consequently, we can expect an increase in homicides and debasement of these coins as criminals pursue these low-hanging fruits.
Treating Symptoms, Not the Underlying Cause
Perhaps the most significant flaw in this gold coin scheme is that it only addresses the symptoms of Zimbabwe’s economic crisis while ignoring the root causes. Instead of implementing comprehensive economic reforms and tackling corruption head-on, ZANU PF opts for cosmetic solutions like introducing gold coins. This approach will only exacerbate the underlying issues while the symptoms continue to multiply.
Furthermore, the irony lies in the fact that the same ZANU PF government, claiming to be sensitive to the people’s plight, is also involved in the illegal smuggling of gold for personal enrichment. The recent case of Henrietta Rushwaya, who was caught attempting to smuggle gold to the Middle East, serves as a stark reminder of this hypocrisy. Her release without facing severe consequences raises questions about the government’s commitment to curbing smuggling and protecting Zimbabwe’s resources.
In conclusion, the introduction of gold coins by ZANU PF is nothing more than another hare-brained scheme in a long list of failed attempts to maintain power. It is destined to fail due to its inability to address the real economic issues facing Zimbabweans, the increased security risks it poses, and the government’s own involvement in the illegal gold trade. Zimbabwe deserves genuine solutions, not just another empty promise from a party that has consistently failed to deliver on its pledges.