February 21st was a national holiday in Zimbabwe, in honour of the ousted former president Robert Mugabe’s birthday. It has been interesting to discuss how his politics affected all Zimbabweans.
Those who grew up in Rhodesia in the 60-70’s recall how lovely of a place this was to live. They frequently point out areas of the city polluted with trash where street vendors sell their few vegetables, describing how the area used to be a nice market, shopping center, restaurant, etc. And, when driving outside the city in the vast greenery, they discuss how the land used to be highly productive fields, or how abandoned buildings used to be working factories. It’s not often that the future generation has less than the previous one, but it is very much the case in Zimbabwe for the 20 somethings who grew up under Mugabe’s rule.
In shops, you can purchase 100 trillions dollar bills of the old currency, now worthless. As the value of currency dropped, first a few zeros were cut off from the bills (up to 24, eventually!). Then the whole currency system changed to American dollars. But through cutting off zeros countless times and changing from one currency to the other, what was deposited in the bank years ago was now meaningless. All savings went out the window as bank accounts were forcibly emptied. It was difficult for me to comprehend how a whole nation survives without any savings in the bank. Even if you attempted to start savings accounts for your children, for instance, all vanished overnight. A couple told me how the husband’s pension plan was worth an arbitrary 5$ after 36 years of saving when the currency changed. For a time, people could only barter with their neighbours and friends. Basic needs such as milk, eggs, oil and canned goods had to be bought in South Africa, as shops in Zimbabwe were bare. There was no electricity for weeks. This undoubtedly brought the people together, as no matter the family name, country of origin or ethnic background, all lost everything.
There was however still a tear in society in the early years of independence, as farm lands were confiscated from colonial families while the gouverning officials fed false beliefs that the white rulers had kept all the best lands for themselves. But as the years went by, and as Zimbabweans took over the “best “farms but failed to produce due to lack of experience and funds to purchase appropriate equipment, it became evident that the propaganda tactics were false. And as the country’s economy plummeted as a consequence of corruption and poor decision-making, it wasn’t surprising that no one regretted the departure of Mugabe. It made no sense how such a rich and educated country could have no economy. Tactfully announced as a stepping down and not a coup, the event was followed by days of celebrations throughout the country. Despite heavy celebrating, not a single brawl occurred, not even a shop looted. All are now hoping things will change. Many are skeptical that a proper change will occur with the strong possibility that the ruling party, Zanu PF, will win the elections. The second largest funeral in the region occurred in late February as the leader of the opposition party, the hope of Zimbabwe passed away from cancer.
A big change has occurred since last year already apparently. Indeed, there used to be police blockades at most intersections of the country where the officers were ordered to find a reason to fine every single drivers. With so little cash in the country, the government was trying to collect everything they could. And so officers would measure stickers with a ruler and fine over millimeters, or ask drivers to leave the car then fine them for leaving a running car, and many other absurdities. If you had no cash or refused to pay, you were brought to jail. Many would go through immense detours to avoid the blockades, while others just never left their homes as they got too frustrated.
Now, the blockades are gone. There is still very little cash in the country, and American Dollars are the preferred currency. There are Zimbabwean bond notes, but no one trusts this currency to last, so they are exchanged whenever possible. The country is however innovating and developing its digital transaction infrastructure.
It’s an interesting time to be in Zimbabwe, and I will definitely be following the elections and upcoming years closely.
