dyton mupawaenda
Prosperity Mzila-Correspondent
For years, Zimbabwe has faced various challenges, chief among them sanctions that were illegally imposed on her by the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), and their western allies.
These illegal sanctions have greatly stalled the country’s socio-economic development, resulting in the citizens heavily relying on external aid.
However, the ill-imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe have left the nation with no choice; instead, they have inadvertently set the stage for the emergence of a self-reliant nation, determined to overcome adversity and foster growth from within.
Embarking on a transformative journey, the Zimbabwean Government under the focused and visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, has tirelessly worked on economic, infrastructural, agricultural and social advancements, leading to a stronger and more united nation.
While the imposed sanctions have certainly created economic hardships, they have also served as a catalyst for innovation and imagination within Zimbabwe.
The country’s entrepreneurs, small business owners, and economic leaders have stepped up to the challenge, exploring alternative avenues to generate income and foster growth.
Zimbabweans have also become increasingly self-sufficient, establishing local industries, developing markets for indigenous products, both internal and external, and encouraging domestic manufacturing.
Through resilience and determination, they have carved a path towards economic independence, building a solid foundation for a prosperous future.
In the face of restricted access to international resources, the Zimbabwean Government has ingeniously allocated its limited means towards infrastructural developments.
The country has utilised existing expertise and resources to upgrade transportation networks, construct vital infrastructure and empower rural areas.
As a result, remote communities have been connected, enhancing the overall connectivity and accessibility within the country.
Self-reliance has fostered infrastructural innovations, promoting national integration and development within Zimbabwe.
Agriculture has always been the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, and the ill-imposed sanctions served as a wake-up call for the nation to revitalise its agricultural sector.
Government has embraced sustainable farming practices and moved to empower the local farmers with smart farming skills, such as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa farming programmes, to promote domestic food security.
Since the implementation of smart agriculture, Zimbabwe has managed to harvest a surplus enough to export both grain and wheat.
The country managed to harvest 2,3 million tonnes of maize as well as 375 131 tonnes of wheat in the 2022-2023 summer and winter cropping seasons, respectively.
Meanwhile, the country’s cash crop, tobacco, attained a record high, surpassing its target, after farmers delivered 231.5 million kilogrammes, up 56 percent from last year’s total, and cotton, also known as white gold, increased by 67 percent to 89,6 million kilogrammes, generating a whopping US$29,7 million and $24,1 billion during the 2022-23 farming season.
This has brought hope.
Community-based initiatives and Government support have introduced advanced techniques, diversified crops, and encouraged responsible land management.
The resultant increase in agricultural productivity has not only boosted the economy, but also strengthened national resilience and food sovereignty.
The adversity faced by Zimbabweans has forged bonds of solidarity and unity within the nation.
Communities have become more self-reliant, coming together to support and uplift one another.
The reduction of international aid has motivated Zimbabweans to value and prioritise their own social well-being.
This went a long way in protecting the citizens from the Covid-19 pandemic as they turned to their natural medicines for remedies.
This augmented the support that Zimbabwe was getting from its all-weather friends, China and Russia, who supported the country with vaccines and other health equipment made to combat the pandemic.
The inner strength within the Zimbabwean citizenry has caused them to be resilient, to rise above the occasion, and to face every situation with boldness in order to come out victorious at the end of a very dark, sanctions-packed tunnel.
This has helped Zimbabwe and its people move from being victims of sanctions to victors, having rendered the sanctions effects null and void.
The West has to know that Zimbabwe cannot continue to be burdened by the illegal sanctions that continue to hang on its neck like an albatross holding back the entire nation’s progress.
Zimbabwe chooses to rise from the ashes like the diamond that it is.
From the free fall that saw Zimbabwe reach rock bottom in the years 2005 to 2009, there is nowhere else for Zimbabwe to go except to rise, and rise it shall.
Local organisations have emerged, addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, investing in education and healthcare, and fostering a shared sense of responsibility.
As Zimbabweans rely less and less on external assistance, they have built a strong social fabric, promoting inclusivity and empowering the most marginalised sections of society in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind.
This has seen community radio stations open up in the once marginalised rural communities across the country. Up to 35 000 boreholes will be drilled by 2025. This will turn the dry regions in the country into greenbelts due to irrigation systems.
Rural electrification has taken effect, with most rural areas now enjoying the benefits of electricity in their homes, thanks to the knowledgeable Government of President Mnangagwa, which has intensified the use of natural solar energy to power the nation.
While the initial imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwe was undoubtedly challenging, it inadvertently became a catalyst for transformation, motivating the nation to seek economic, infrastructural, agricultural, and social development from within.
Zimbabweans have exhibited remarkable resilience, embracing innovation, resourcefulness, and unity to chart a path towards a brighter future.
By laying the foundation for self-reliance and sustainable growth, the people of Zimbabwe have proven that adversity can be a stepping stone towards resilience and success.
Online Reporter