The uncertainty of hope marks the end of year 2022 as the anticipation for a better Zimbabwe remains at the heart of many, though no one knows what it will take for that change to happen.
As the biblical scripture in the book of Matthew says, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
The coming of a new Zimbabwe is unknown.
Nevertheless, no matter the current state of our being, there is still hope.
Zimbabwe is a great nation governed by selfish individuals, who have enjoyed the juicy side of the country since independence.
The greed has left Zimbabwe a broken society characterised by angry citizens who seem to have hopes for a better Zimbabwe.
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When moving around the capital of Harare, one is greeted by the rhythms of a people whose poverty has eroded their dignity but hope is accompanied by small acts of courage in the middle of street hustlers anticipating for a better Zimbabwe.
The youthful generation’s prolonged endurance is unmatched, but like former America president Barack Obama said: “Hope in the face of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty.
“The audacity of hope! In the end, that is God's greatest gift to us.
“A belief in the things not seen.
“A belief that there are better days ahead.”
Obama captured Zimbabwe’s situation succinctly in those famous lines.
In Africa, it is widely believed that the end of revolutionary political parties in power could result in the restoration of effective governance.
Some notable significant developments have been seen when Zambia’s new President Hakainde Hichilema took over power from Edgar Lungu last year.
Five months after taking over a deeply indebted country, Zambia's new administration made tremendous economic gains.
The one critical thing is reducing the inflation rate.
The Zambian kwacha is presently Africa's best performing currency against the US dollar.
While South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya have been unable to control growing inflation and falling currencies, Hichilema's administration has managed to cut the inflation rate from 24.4% in August 2021 to 9.7% in June this year.
Every time presidents in office run for re-election, loyalists chant "five more years" at the top of their lungs.
The same type of slogan has been used to scare the opposition by expressing optimism for the future.
Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu PF, re-elected Emmerson Mnangagwa for another five-year term as president at the party's congress this year.
It was their first congress since the removal of the late Robert Mugabe via a coup in November 2017.
Mnangagwa was unopposed and will seek re-election for the country's presidency next year where he's likely to be challenged by the leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Nelson Chamisa.
As we look forward to the year 2023 in a few days, there are some expectations from patriotic Zimbabweans who continue to survive within all the chaos, poverty and conflicts in the country.
The majority of Zimbabweans face a gloomy Christmas holiday.
For many people, the emotions of the season are more complicated especially for the past decade and usually this time of the year brings forth feelings of nostalgia when Zimbabwe used to be the breadbasket of Africa.
What the majority still expect for a “better Zimbabwe”:
- job creation;
- nbetter health services;
- affordable basic commodities;
- a strong Zimbabwe currency;
- respect for the rule of law and
- respect for human rights among other things.
Although there is more to be done in terms of development, most people expect a functioning government to address these fundamental challenges.
Mathanda is a journalist and development practitioner who writes in his personal capacity. For feedback email: evanngoe@gmail.com or call 0719770038 and Twitter @EvansMathanda19