The blanket ban on most goods originating from South Africa by government at the weekend is misinformed, unbelievable and misdirected, as this will hit hard on the suffering majority of this country.
NewsDay Comment
Because the majority of Zimbabweans are out of work, they have turned to vending to look after their families, hence, the ban comes as a slap in their face.
We will not be surprised if the affected citizens of this country go out to demonstrate against the government’s shenanigans, which have reduced the majority of Zimbabweans to beggars.
The fact that on the long list of the banned goods are synthetic hair products, also known as fake hair, including weaves, wigs, braids and other extensions, some food items and cosmetics is a damning indictment of the government’s failure to stimulate economic growth to make the local industry compete strongly with other economies clearly show how Zimbabwe has turned into a banana republic under the leadership of President Robert Mugabe and the ruling Zanu PF.
To think, therefore, that Mugabe and his coterie of hangers-on have the capacity to turn around the economy, already in a tailspin, would be to demand too much of the 92-year-old, who under normal circumstances should be enjoying his rest after serving the country for over 36 years.
Zimbabweans deserve to have a civilised way of making a living, but certainly not under the Mugabe regime after a litany of gaffes that have cost the country.
Is it not ironic that instead of growing the economy, Mugabe’s government is now preoccupied with usurious ways of raising capital to capitalise State coffers, with no effort being made to grow the economy?
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The government must be reminded that Zimbabweans have suffered enough, and to add a new list constraining them from looking after their families will simply promote corruption.
Is it not curious that for one to import braids and other goods, according to regulations gazetted last week, they would now need to apply for a permit to import some basic commodities?
We believe this move will create an avenue for Zanu PF-linked companies to cream people of the little income that they have. We say no to this daylight robbery. The market should simply regulate itself and not to create a policy simply to benefit the chosen few.
Instead of creating a tougher economic environment for Zimbabweans, government should instead provide recuperative methods to the suffering masses in much the same way they would want to protect the so-called local industry.
We have no doubt that the ban could eventually extend to other basics, and that move could sound a death knell for the majority already reeling under the unfavourable economic environment.
The country is now wondering if we will one day not wake up to find empty shelves across all supermarkets due to the ever increasing unnecessary policy interventions government is crafting on a daily basis.
Government must uphold the Constitution of this country, which states that every Zimbabwean has a right to life, which right they are using to look after their families. Prices for both local and imported goods must also be affordable so as to remain competitive for the benefit of the people.
There is definitely no reason for monopolising the Zimbabwean market, which is why government crafted this controversial Statutory Instrument to shore up politicians’ businesses reeling under this difficult environment.
Government must be real, and not act as if it is a rag tag administration.
