By Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo
It is not a secret that we have one of the richest mineral deposits in the entire world. We have gold, we have chrome, we have alluvial diamonds, we have the Great Dyke with all mineral deposits. We have copper, and perhaps we are the second-largest platinum producer in the world, and we are in the top five in terms of literacy rate in Africa. So, what is our problem?
We need a Strategic Development thinking approach to save our country from total collapse.
- We have to clear toxic politics.
- Politics have destroyed our country.
- We must learn to seperate politics and Development
- We need a sound Development Policy
- We need a proper Economic Recovery framework to address all fundamentals affecting our country
- Corruption in the public sector must be dealt with. Great Dyke is owned by few individuals, who are giving wrong signals to investors
- Rich mineral deposits are owned by less than five people in Zimbabwe, in the name of different consortiums
- A proper Investment policy must be put in place to deal with the following ;
- Property rights
- protect investor
- protect investments
- The nature of deals must be disclosed to the public.
- Before signing any deals, citizen perspective is very important. Get the input from citizens. What are citizens saying about these deals?
- Institutional reforms are vital for progressive development
- An opposition Institution or party is not an enemy, it’s important to have opposition parties for proper checks and balances. To provide alternative politics and Government – in-waiting
- A reshuffle is imminent and long overdue.
- The current cabinet lacks inspiration in some of the important ministries
- Cutting unnecessary expenditure, and redirecting to the mainstream economy
- Deputy Ministers must be removed. Permanent Secretaries are already in place to deal with policy direction and framework of inline ministries
- Policy consistency. The recent conflicting Statements from the Finance Minister Prof Muthuli Ncube and Vice President Chiwenga puts Zim Government under the spotlight with few potential remaining
- Our country must not survive on handouts. Empower citizens. Create a proper Economic conducive environment to do business. People must be employed, pay tax to the Government, and this will widen the tax base
- Fiscal imbalances must be addressed. Taxation must be reviewed considering the Covid-19 pandemic
- We need a proper Research and Development framework. Covid-19 has given our country, positive implications on how to improve technological advancement, ICTs, trade barriers, Strategic Thinking & engagements
- Reduce the size of the cabinet to at least 15/17 Ministers
- Review of the 2020/21 Budget statement considering the inflows and balance of payments which are in red.
- Let’s pour funds and resources into the industry
- Target critical sectors of the economy namely, Agriculture, Infrastructure development, tourism, mining, education, and health.
- In the past, Agric used to contribute over 60% towards our GDP.
- Zimbabwe needs a Business Model
- Money is not grown on trees, create employment, improve Infrastructure and redirect priorities
- Replace museum with a State of Art hospital around Heroes Acre, close to Warren Pk
- We need a medical school around. At least every province. We have land, let’s develop the land
- Performance appraisal is important for the Government, Ministers, the public sector, parastatals
- Consider privatization. Dismantle those state companies which are useless, and remain with those which are Strategic. We need a proper Development plan around state companies.
- Instead of purchasing planes, consider State of Art city, spaghetti roads, proper urban planning and with the right people in key positions
- We need Strategic Thinkers around key areas of Governance
- What is left for our children?
Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo is the Head of Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinking, and he can be contacted at tinamuzala@gmail.com
