DENG Xiaoping was a late 20th century Chinese socialist leader who left an indelible legacy through his transformative economic reforms.

As the firm leader of the People’s Republic of China from 1978 to 1989, Deng gained fame for his socialist market economy and the significant domestic growth and stability he brought to China after the Cultural Revolution's excesses.

Some theorists even refer to his socialism ideological contributions as the Deng Xiaoping Theory. This period saw improved living standards and a milder form of authoritarianism, a transformation that still garners admiration today.

Could President Emmerson Mnangagwa be drawing inspiration from Deng’s book? Now in his second and final term, according to the Constitution and his own statements, Mnangagwa appears intent on leaving a good legacy.

Recent infrastructure developments — revamped roads, buildings, improved electricity, water supplies, and even enhanced waste management — have marked his administration.

These efforts coincide with the upcoming Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Summit on August 17-18, where Mnangagwa will assume the chairmanship.

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Some argue that these upgrades are driven solely by the impending visit of Sadc Heads of State and Government. It is understandable that they think that, considering the rapid pace of developments.

A drive around Harare reveals significant improvements. Major roads now offer smooth drives with clearly marked lanes, a quality once only experienced in neighbouring countries like South Africa or Botswana.

Solar-powered streets and traffic lights are now working in the central business district and along some major roads. The government has spent an estimated US$200 million on critical infrastructure, including the renovation of a ward at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for Sadc VIPs.

Thanks to the Sadc summit for the revamp of Parirenyatwa, a facility built by the Rhodesian government and now largely dilapidated.

Shortages of medicines and critical equipment at the country’s major referral hospitals are worrying. So, if the government is renovating a ward at Parirenyatwa, it means they can do the same at other wards and all public health institutions to benefit the majority poor who cannot afford expensive private healthcare. After all, it’s taxpayers’ money!

These developments prompt a crucial question for the Mnangagwa administration: Why not extend this progress beyond the Sadc Summit?

Zimbabwe’s heavily taxed citizens deserve to see their money used for sustained infrastructure improvements. Following in Deng's footsteps, Mnangagwa has an opportunity to leave a respectable legacy.

His predecessor, Robert Mugabe, inherited a "jewel of Africa" but left behind a battered economy and dilapidated infrastructure in 2017 due to shambolic economic policies.

Mnangagwa has shown that his government has the capacity to rebuild. Expanding these efforts beyond the Sadc Summit could foster a legacy of significant infrastructure changes.

In addition, he needs to implement economic reforms and policies that will bring currency stability and foreign direct investment, promote industrialisation, create employment, and improve livelihoods.

Mnangagwa must also create a safe political environment, and strengthen democratic institutions.

Vision 2030, Mnangagwa’s goal to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-class economy, is ambitious. However, achieving this vision would improve living standards, stem the brain drain, and perhaps even attract professionals back home.

This is quite a big challenge for a country, which has faced systematic corruption and a plethora of challenges.

With political will, the rapid transformation seen in Harare’s road infrastructure can be replicated across other sectors to improve the socio-economic conditions in the country.

Zimbabweans are grappling with issues that affect their well-being, primarily stemming from the country’s economic and socio-economic environment. Indeed, they have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of difficulties.

The escalating economic crisis, characterised by liquidity constraints, high unemployment and dwindling access to basic necessities, like healthcare, poses a great threat to people’s mental well-being.

Mnangagwa has the chance to build a legacy far superior to Mugabe's ruinous 37-year rule. The ball is in the President’s court — to impress or disappoint his citizens.