Mnangagwa Reiterates Commitment to Protect Zimbabweans from What He Calls Greedy Business Practices

President Emmerson Mnangagwa reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding Zimbabweans from what he called greedy business practices. He also pledged to combat economic sabotage and make sure that ordinary people are not left exposed to the negative effects of the country’s economic difficulties.

His comments come at a time when formal retailers are raising the prices of essential goods, further putting a population already struggling with high inflation and economic instability under more pressure.

Mnangagwa addressed Zimbabweans’ mounting economic pressures on September 25 during the 378th Ordinary Session of the ZANU PF Politburo, particularly the sharp rise in grocery prices and the rapid devaluation of the local currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG).

Mnangagwa slammed those he believes are taking advantage of the country’s weaknesses for personal gain and accused them of harming the economy, displaying his signature defiance.

He stated, “Our country has no place for acts of economic sabotage, speculative behavior, and counterproductive tendencies driven by greed and profiteering.”

His rhetoric emphasized the urgency of stabilizing the economy and putting an end to economic chaos. His claim that the government will “protect ordinary people” appeared to be an attempt to reassure the public in the face of growing hardship.

However, despite being pointed, Mnangagwa’s statements cast doubt on the government’s economic management strategy’s actual efficacy.

Zimbabwe has long been criticized for policies that, according to some, make it worse the problems the President wants to fix, like corruption, excessive regulation, and a lack of genuine reforms.

Despite the fact that Mnangagwa identified sanctions, climate change, and global economic factors as external pressures on Zimbabwe, many observers assert that internal mismanagement cannot be ignored.

The ZiG, the local currency of Zimbabwe, continues to fall, adding to the financial strain on the country’s citizens.

Widespread discontent has resulted from price increases that have disproportionately affected the population with lower incomes due to the volatility of the exchange rate.

It is evident that Mnangagwa’s administration views dissent and criticism as threats to not only economic progress but also the unity of the ruling ZANU PF party itself as he criticized “unruly elements” who use media platforms to foment disunity.

Mnangagwa also urged ZANU PF structures to protect the party’s unity, implying that internal factionalism and external opposition movements could threaten the stability of the party and the country.

In his discourse, he highlighted the significance of keeping a unified front, especially as Zimbabwe pushes ahead with its public improvement objectives.

He asked the Politburo to reflect on the situation and lead the party and the country toward achieving the collective goal of strengthening ZANU PF and making Zimbabwe more prosperous.

Mnangagwa expressed his appreciation to the ZANU PF Youth League leadership from Masvingo Province and other provinces for organizing the first Munhumutapa Day in honor of his 82nd birthday in a symbolic gesture.

In spite of the turbulent economic conditions, the President’s appreciation for the loyalty and support within his party ranks was made clear by this act of recognition. It also served as a reminder of Zimbabwe’s deeply ingrained political culture, in which loyalty to the ruling party frequently takes precedence over more general concerns regarding policy.

First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, ZANU PF National Chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, and Party Secretary General Obert Mpofu were among the prominent ZANU PF figures who attended the Politburo meeting.

Even when there are occasional flaws in the system, Mnangagwa’s unified front is emphasized by their presence.

The question of whether Mnangagwa’s assertive stance will result in concrete outcomes for Zimbabwe’s ailing economy remains unanswered.
His government has attempted to stabilize the currency, reduce inflation, and prevent economic sabotage in the past, but these efforts have frequently had mixed results.

The President’s harsh rhetoric regarding economic sabotage could be interpreted as a reiteration of previous policies, which have occasionally failed to address Zimbabwe’s fundamental economic issues.

Mnangagwa’s promise to “protect the ordinary people” from economic sabotage may reflect a genuine desire to protect the populace from the worst excesses of market volatility and price increases in light of these dynamics; however, it also demonstrates the limitations of state intervention in an economy where fundamental reforms are long overdue.

Although the President’s assertions are bold, they do little to address the systemic issues that continue to plague Zimbabwe’s economy, such as high levels of corruption, inefficiency in the bureaucracy, and a lack of confidence in investors.

Additionally, local and international observers have expressed skepticism regarding the government’s repeated emphasis on sanctions as the primary impediment to economic progress.

Zimbabwe’s economic difficulties are undoubtedly caused by sanctions, but they are by no means the only factor. Mnangagwa’s focus on external factors may be a convenient way to distract from his own flaws, but the longer these issues go unresolved, the harder it will be to find a sustainable way forward.

In the future, it will be crucial to monitor Mnangagwa’s ability to strike a balance between his strongman approach to economic management and the need for practical reforms that promote growth and stability over the long term.

The real test will be whether his government can implement policies that deliver meaningful improvements in living standards, even though his warnings to economic saboteurs and profiteers may resonate with a population that is exhausted by rising prices and currency instability.

For the time being, Mnangagwa’s reiteration of his commitment to preventing economic disruption for the Zimbabwean people and his broader vision of national unity and development present a complex and multifaceted picture of leadership in a nation plagued by political and economic uncertainty.

It will be seen in the coming months if his bold rhetoric can be backed up by decisive action or if the country’s economic problems will continue to outpace the government’s ability to respond effectively.

One thing is certain as the nation faces these enduring difficulties: As Zimbabwe navigates a turbulent economic landscape, Mnangagwa’s leadership will continue to be under close scrutiny at home and abroad.

The President may gain some support in the short term by promising to protect citizens from “greedy” businesses, but long-term success will require a much broader strategy that addresses the underlying causes of the country’s economic instability.

The ability of Mnangagwa to lead the country through these difficulties will undoubtedly shape Zimbabwe’s future for years to come, despite the fact that the stakes are high and the way forward is still unclear.

More: The Zim Bulletin