31st March Will Bring Nothing to Anyone in Zimbabwe

By Dr Masimba Mavaza

Zimbabweans are waiting for the results of 31 March 2025. The truth is 31 March will not change anything. There will be no change after 31March. The end game in Zimbabwean politics is a complex and multifaceted topic. The events and our political foundation is quiet complex. Zanu pf is a party which looks like fighting in itself but make no mistake when an enemy rears his head you will ZANU PF coming together as a united front. Zimbabwe has faced significant political challenges since gaining independence in 1980, including unprecedented sanctions. Zimbabwe suffered heavily because of individual selfishness. The world labelled us as authoritarian human rights abusers and we became economic strugglers. Our problems can never be improved by demonstrations.
We will not achieve anything by demonstrating. Corruption and entitlement in Zimbabwe has reached another level. There are people who are so blinded with power such that they are forgetting that change is definite.

In recent days the country has experienced a series of significant events, including redeployment of senior officers and retirement of some. Even though some believe these were fired for having their nose in Manhize but it will not remain like this.

Zimbabwe is very unique in its own way. It is weird if not strange. In 2017 we experienced a military coup which was not a coup. This event ousted the beloved long time President Robert Mugabe and replaced him with the new dispensation.
What we have now is the first direct threat to the new establishment.
If only we can listen but power has taken the ears from those around our leadership. We have had leaders including my own MP calling God’s name in his campaign of 2030. We must remember the negative history of playing with God. The king of Babylon the moment he touched God’s utensils the the writing was on the wall. Coming closer home when the former first lady Grace Mugabe dressed like a Mupositori painted like Jezebel God acted. New dispensation was ushered in. We do not learn fast. Cde Garwe called people demons and those in his team he called the Gods. The writing is on the wall. Regardless of the excitement nothing will happen on the 31st. But the spirit will be a wanting.

After the new dispensation 2018 brought the presidential election, which was won by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He was the vice President before the coup which was not the coup. President Mnangagwa proved to be a very forgiving man many people who insulted him he allowed them to serve in his government. The writer remembers a talk with the President after his cabinet. He said “doc some people I am working with if it was my way i will not work with them. But for the sake of unity I have included them in the administration.” But we must never become overzealous and insult our leaders, we do not know who will be sitting on the source power tomorrow.
We have warned that we must not talk about 2030 because it will cause distress. ZANU PF National Chairman cde Oppah Kashiri said 2030 is now a threat to National Security. The ongoing economic crisis, characterized by hyperinflation, food shortages, and power outages is a direct result of the unreasonable irresponsible and destructive unplanned campaign of 2030. Regardless it is to early to start 2030 campaign now.

The endgame in Zimbabwean trajectory will not be decided on the 31st of March. This will be just a show of power. Looking ahead, some possible end games in Zimbabwean politics after 31st March 2025.
People expect to see Democratic consolidation. This will be a hope of transition towards a more democratic and inclusive political system where people are appointed for being Zimbabweans and not something else. There is a great possibility that with the 2030 wind there will be no free and fair elections, actually yes there will be no elections. If somebody knows that he will not be elected but pushed further with no elect then be assure that respect for human rights, and accountability flies through the window. This will cause total Authoritarian consolidation: There will be a continuation of tightening of political control by a few people who will be soiling the legacy of the President by leading to further repression and human rights abuses.
The President has done well in his term his tenure speaks volumes on Economic recovery. The policy of reengagement made the President to focus on economic stabilization which really was taking shape. The President instructed his government to achieve economic growth, through engagement with international community.
A milestone was achieved when the president was given the SADC chairmanship, improved regional integration, Increased cooperation and integration with neighboring countries However as we all hold our hearts in our hands it’s difficult to predict exactly what the end game will be, as Zimbabwe’s political trajectory is influenced by a complex array of domestic and international factors.
We must know and always remember that the Military in Zimbabwe Plays a significant role in our politics. We must not forget that many military leaders are holding key government positions. Their role in the political process of Zimbabwe is very important and must never be overlooked. What those advising president Mnangagwa trying to do is to downplay the importance and significance of the military.

While International Community Organizations like the African Union, SADC, and the European Union have significant influence on Zimbabwe’s political trajectory the country must always rely with its own home grown solutions.

What has made our country shake and swim in? Economic Crisis: Hyperinflation, food shortages, and power outages which are crippling the economy and threatening our freedom.
Human Rights Abuses: Reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and enforced disappearances is now resurfacing. Corruption is becoming our norm. Despite the hard work corruption and cronyism has undermined trust in our economy.

President Mnangagwa is being persuaded to consolidate power, potentially leading to further repression and human rights abuses. This persuaded results tarnishes the image of the President.
If the President silence his persuaders and persuade them to enforce Implementation of economic reforms, with international support, this will stabilize the economy and improve living standards of the people. The push to give war veterans money forty five years later is not a permanent move. It is welcome news that came very late.

The persuaders have lied to the President now the end game might be Regional Intervention: SADC or the African Union might intervene to mediate Zimbabwe’s political crisis, which could have been avoided if advice was taken seriously. We now journey towards undesirable International Pressure.
The situation in Zimbabwe is fluid, and the outcome is far from certain.

So 31 March will not be the end game. It will come and go. It will be a non event. Its sad that it will give some people false sense of victory. That will be another fatal mistake.
We need to put our country ahead of our selfish economic priorities.

ZIMBABWE is the ONLY COUNTRY we can call ours in the whole world.