Zimbabwe’s journey to recovery
Campaign to tap into skills of compatriots in the diaspora
IN DECEMBER last year, just after taking over the reins from Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa visited South Africa to woo investors.
After meeting Zimbabweans residing in the neighbouring country, he implored his compatriots in the diaspora to assist their country to recover from 37 years of bad governance.
A group of ambitious South African-based Zimbabweans have heeded the call by forming an organisation that seeks to help turn around the fortunes of the country’s macro-economy within the coming 10 years.
The Global Association of Zimbabwe Entrepreneurs (Gaze) hopes to achieve this by inculcating a culture of self-confidence, innovativeness and enterprise among Zimbabweans.
“We aim to take advantage of our substantial education system and the government’s indigenisation drive to support our local business people through the promotion of their products or services to meet international standards,” said Thando Ncube, the director of Gaze.
He said Gaze aimed at revitalising the Zimbabwean economy so it could make an impact in the world through trade in the same manner as China and India; particularly, China. Asian countries are powerhouses in technology.
“Within the framework of our 10-year plan we wish to see a situation whereby Zimbabwe starts exporting quality products fully made and packaged in Zimbabwe, such as motorcycles, cars, cellphones, radios, DVDs, computers and aeroplanes,” Ncube said.
While their plan might seem ambitious, Ncube feels it is attainable with sufficient focus and dedication.
“Our concept seems almost impossible, but with the right frame of mind and attitude, Zimbabwe can become the first African country to advance to such a stature in economic growth,” he said.
“I was looking at the Indian economy. It was in a shambles 30 years ago, but they managed to turn it around.
“For example, Tata Indica and Mahindra (automobile firms) are brands that are the pride of India. In 2013, Tata Indica was one of the highest-selling hatchback vehicles in the motor industry,” he added.
Ncube deplored a lack of unity among Zimbabweans in the diaspora.
“I wish they can emulate Ethiopians, who have pooled their resources to empower one another. That’s why they top the list of Africa’s millionaires.”
Gaze is registered as a nonprofit organisation with South Africa’s Department of Social Development, but hit some bumps during the registration process.
“Our first application was rejected, which suggested since our policy was to effect policy through the central bank, it will be important to involve South Africans into the board to form a quorum.
“We did that and gave locals a 51% stake, as in the broadbased economic empowerment,” Ncube said.
Ncube, who used to work for Zimbabwe’s Small and Medium Enterprise Ministry, said the stint showed him the extent of his country’s entrepreneurial spirit.
“However that is only possible with government support,” Ncube added.
Ncube believes that Zimbabwe could use the brain drain that has taken place to its advantage by tapping into the knowledge gained by its citizens who have left the country.
Gaze believes that homegrown solutions are key to the resuscitation of the country.
“I am quite sure that each and every Zimbabwean is now fully aware of the impact of relying too much on foreign direct investment, either from the East or the West,” Ncube said.
According to Gaze, given Zimbabwe’s national population density, demographics indicate that the country is overpopulated.
“This is a serious indicator of slow infrastructural development in our country, among other issues,” Ncube said, adding that high rates of unemployment, estimated at more than 90%, also exacerbated matters.
“Henceforth, the onus is upon us to take the destiny of Zimbabwe very seriously by investing heavily in all sectors of industry and commerce.
“Who knows, maybe in the next decade, Zimbabwe could send its own crew to outer space to erect its own space satellite,” Ncube said. – CAJ News