THE PLIGHT OF INDUSTRY UNDER ZANU PF: A TALE OF DEINDUSTRIALIZATION AND DESPAIR
In Zimbabwe, the once-thriving industrial centers of Gweru, hosting stalwarts such as Zimcast, Radar Castings, Kariba Batteries, Fort Concrete, and David Whitehead, have been driven to extinction. The culprits? The detrimental policies and practices of the ruling party, ZANU PF, characterized by bush economics, a prolonged illegitimate stay in power, a deeply entrenched patronage system, rampant corruption, and the dangerous conflation of party and state apparatus. This tale of deindustrialization is not just about the replacement of local enterprises by Chinese companies operating under the party’s patronage but signifies a deeper, more insidious issue.
The seeds of deindustrialization were sown with the implementation of the Economic Structural Adjustment Program (ESAP). Though intended as a remedy, ESAP’s fallout revealed the inherent vulnerabilities in Zimbabwe’s economic structure, exacerbated by ZANU PF’s obsession with creating a one-party state. This obsession, rooted in a misguided allegiance to socialism, sought to establish an imperial monarchical presidency, undermining the constitution and sidelining democratic principles. The support from communist and socialist allies before independence had set Zimbabwe on a collision course with geopolitical dynamics that favored neither its people nor its industries.
Corruption has been a hallmark of ZANU PF’s governance, with scandals dating back to the early 1980s, becoming a structural and institutional malaise. This corruption directly contributed to the deindustrialization process, as funds that could have modernized and retooled industries were siphoned off by the party’s elite. Companies like ZISCO became unable to compete globally, their potential for growth and innovation stifled by the looting of their resources. The result was an economy unable to support its local industries, leading to a massive shutdown of companies between 2013 and 2014, further aggravated when ZANU PF ended the Government of National Unity.
The preferential treatment towards Chinese companies exacerbates the situation, creating an uneven playing field where local businesses cannot compete. These foreign entities, often flouting tax, labor, and environmental regulations with impunity, contribute to a de facto deindustrialization. The departure of local entrepreneurs, such as Strive Masiyiwa, underscores the hostile environment for business under ZANU PF’s rule. This preference for exploitative foreign operations over local industry not only undermines Zimbabwe’s economic sovereignty but also its prospects for sustainable development.
The consequence of these policies and practices is a landscape marked by the eerie silence of factories now repurposed as places of worship. This transformation from industrial hubs to religious centers is symbolic of the broader deindustrialization affecting the country. It’s a stark reminder of the lost potential and the dire need for change. The opposition, perceived by many as a beacon of hope, promises to address these systemic issues, advocating for policies that encourage industrialization, transparency, and equitable economic practices.
As Zimbabwe stands at this crossroads, the lessons from its recent past are clear. The path to recovery and growth lies in the rejection of corruption, the embrace of fair and sustainable economic policies, and the restoration of a political landscape that values democracy and the rule of law. Only then can the nation hope to revive its industries, restore employment, and secure a prosperous future for all its citizens. The story of deindustrialization under ZANU PF is not just a cautionary tale but a call to action for change, for the sake of Zimbabwe’s future.
