We Can Still ReBuild This Country Together, The Right Way: Where Do We Start?

By Cde Starlin S. Mugaradziko

Zimbabwe’s path to rebuilding and recovery requires a nuanced understanding of its complex past. In this article, I will first of all look at history and conclude by trying to map the way forward.

The Legacy of Smith’s RF
Under Rhodesia’s colonial regime, the economy appeared strong because it was built on the exploitation of black labor and the disenfranchisement of the black majority.

Black Zimbabweans were excluded from owning land in fertile areas, denied access to quality education, and confined to menial labor.

Even with the economic stability that some recall, it was fundamentally unjust, and the black majority lived in poverty.

This created a legacy of inequality and dispossession that post-independence governments inherited and struggled to address effectively.

The Role of ZANU-PF Post-Independence
While independence brought the promise of equality and prosperity, ZANU-PF failed to deliver due to corruption, mismanagement, arrogance and to some large extent by infiltration by people who never shared the Chimurenga vision, values and ideals

The land reform program, though necessary to address historical imbalances and injustices, was executed chaotically, undermining food security and agricultural productivity.

State resources were looted by the political elite instead of being invested in national development, education, and health care.

Policies driven by patronage, nepotism, and short-term political survival (e.g., printing money leading to hyperinflation) deepened economic decline.

Blaming regime misses the point
Focusing solely on ZANU-PF ignores the systemic issues left by colonialism, including economic structures that favored a racist few.

Blaming Smith’s RF alone dismisses the fact that post-independence leadership had the opportunity to chart a new course but failed due to poor governance.

Both eras contributed to a cycle of exclusion, mistrust, and inefficiency that Zimbabwe must now break.

The Path Forward
Building Zimbabwe Together, the Right Way

Acknowledging the Past Without Living in it
Zimbabweans must acknowledge the failures of both regimes to learn from them.

Let us avoid divisive rhetoric that pits citizens against each other based on race or political affiliation.

Let’s focus on shared strategic goals: restoring dignity, building a fair economy, and creating opportunities for all.

Where do we start from?
Leadership Reform:
We must demand accountable, transparent, and visionary leadership that prioritizes national interests over personal gain of plundering national cake by a few politically connected individuals

Economic Restructuring:
Let’s encourage policies that promote production (agriculture, mining, manufacturing) and attract investment while ensuring fair distribution of resources. Let’s, as a united people reject unfair and unjust and non progressive policies.

Let’s Invest in quality education and vocational training to empower the next generation with tools to innovate and grow the economy. Our university and colleges should be centres of innovation.

As a people we should strengthen anti-corruption agencies and implement real tougher penalties for looting and mismanagement. We must have a ZACC with teeth; not the catch and release type.

We need to foster a spirit of togetherness by rejecting tribalism, racism, and political violence. Reconciliation is required

The Diaspora engagement is key. When we talk of the diaspora, let’s not focus only on black Zimbabweans abroad , our diaspora should should be everyone, black or white who was born and has roots in Zimbabwe. Let us involve all Zimbabweans in the diaspora, who possess expertise and resources, in rebuilding efforts; not the looting type who, instead of stabilising the economy, create confusion and chaos by taxing the poor

Every Zimbabwean has a role to play—holding leaders accountable, working hard in their own fields, and promoting unity.

The Civic society has a big role to play in this whole agenda. It must encourage participation by all; peaceful advocacy, and collective action can drive change from the grassroots level.

In conclusion the blame game is understandable but counterproductive. Both Rhodesia’s RF and ZANU-PF failed Zimbabwe in different ways.

There is need for all citizens to come together, focus on a shared vision and values, and actively contribute to rebuilding this great nation called Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has the potential to rise again if its people unite and prioritize honesty, fairness, and hard work.