The Geza Effects

By Dr Masimba Mavaza

Many Zimbabweans celebrated the failure of the Geza revolution. Celebrations were heard in the Midlands and in wine clubs as people shake hands calling Geza’s 31 March a classic failure. But this is a false victory and a premature celebration.

Propaganda aside the effects of the 31st March were very devastating to the country’s economy. When Zimbabwe’s economy which is already struggling is shut down for a day, the country loses millions and millions of dollars. This Monday only the loss is estimated to be about eight hundred million US dollars. a significant amount of money.

According to the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, the economy loses around eight hundred million per day. This is a substantial loss, especially considering the country’s already struggling economy.

The Monday ripples are already being felt and they will be shaking the roots of the economy for a long time.

The losses are felt across various sectors, including:
Manufacturing and Production. Many Zimbabweans are self employed the Monday incidental Stay Away has caused a heavy dent in their personal financial lives. Companies lose revenue due to halted production and sales.
Tourism experienced a lot of cancellations as tourists were afraid to come to a teargassed country..
Shops and businesses lost an estimated $5 million in sales on that day. Perishable goods spoiled due to closed markets and disrupted supply chains. Local farmers lost the wares for the whole month in one day. It will take them time to recover from this event.

As already noted These losses have a ripple effect on the economy, impacting businesses, employees, and the general population. The shutdown also deterred investors, making it harder for the country to recover and grow its economy Shutdown or demonstration whatever you call it casts a dark shadow across the economy and the whole country.
This Geza revolution delivered significant effects on the economy.

As Zimbabwe closed to business there was shocking significant loss of productivity, as businesses, factories, informal markets and services come to a standstill.

Any celebration of the imaginary failure is short cited and totally irresponsible.

The government experienced Revenue losses. Shops closed on fear of looting. Disruption of supply chains was caused by this stay-away and disrupted the flow of things leading to shortages of essential goods and services.

Very soon we will witness
Increased costs*: Businesses have incurred additional costs, such as security and maintenance expenses, during a stay-away induced by the fear of demonstrations.
It could only be one day but it has caused a serious dent on the investor confidence making it harder for the country to attract foreign investment and hindering economic growth.
Impact on small businesses*: Small businesses and informal traders are disproportionately affected by stay-aways, as they often lack the resources to withstand prolonged closures.

The one day cde Gezi engineered will Increase poverty and inequality in the long run. The economic effects of a stay-away can exacerbate poverty and inequality, as vulnerable populations are often the hardest hit.

It is horrible that there are people who believe that the 31st of March was a failure.

Can you imagine the Strain on essential services*: A stay-away can put a strain on essential services, such as healthcare and emergency services, which may struggle to cope with reduced staffing and resources. It will further find it difficult to come back to normal functioning. Repeated stay-aways will always have long-term economic consequences, including reduced economic growth, increased unemployment, and decreased competitiveness.

So as a country it is cheaper to deal with problems than face the consequences of the actions of people.