IT has been a tough year; one that people can't wait for its end.
The wheels have been coming off on the economic front with the new currency Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) flattering to deceive at a time when authorities tout it as the building block to the de-dollarisation drive.
Debuting in April in the country’s sixth attempt to establish a stable currency in over a decade, ZiG, like its predecessors, has failed to penetrate the informal market where the United States dollar rules the roost.
Fiscal and monetary authorities claim to have ticked all the boxes for economic take-off. However, it appears we are living in two worlds: One in which authorities see as primed for growth and the other one in which hard-pressed citizens see as regressing.
There is no doubt the outlook will be bleak as the formal sector chokes affecting revenue inflows into government coffers in the form of taxes.
The politics has also not been good especially after the launch of the ED2030 campaign in the course of the year.
Despite President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s insistence that he wants to leave office at the end of his constitutionally-mandated two terms in 2028, events on the ground paint a different picture. Zanu PF’s party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said they would take the campaign to the grassroots so that Mnangagwa stays in power beyond 2028.
The ED2030 crescendo will get louder in the coming year.
- Mnangagwa marches expose Zanu PF fights
- Zanu PF bigwigs face axe in purge
- Zanu PF splurges cash on delegates
- Mnangagwa marches expose Zanu PF fights
Keep Reading
Notwithstanding a gloomy outlook, tomorrow is a special day.
Christmas Day is revered by Christians across the world as the day on which Jesus Christ was born, the “man who died for our sins”. The non-religious community associates the day with merriment, throwing parties and festivities.
Weddings, lobola ceremonies and family gatherings will be held across the country on Christmas Day.
Let’s share the little we have with the less privileged in our society in the spirit of Christmas which is associated with giving.
In all the festivities, people should be mindful of the tough road ahead. Back to school in a few weeks’ time, the hot weather conditions are a harbinger for another drought in the 2024/25 season.
We appeal to motorists to exercise caution and patience on the road. We must not allow road traffic accidents to mar festivities.
Speed thrills but kills.
Drinking while driving is not classy, it endangers the lives of motorists and passengers.
We appeal to road safety personnel manning roadblocks to do their work diligently. This is not the opportunity to pocket some dollars in lieu of road traffic fines.
There must be deterrent measures to stem road traffic offences. This is also the time to impound unroadworthy vehicles that pose a danger on the roads.
Christmas is a day for festivities. May the spirit of love, sharing and giving flow during this festive season.
Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas, according to Peg Bracken.
Merry Christmas Zimbabwe.
