Lift sanctions, end hostility

EDITOR: There are so many negative things that Zimbabwe experienced economically after we attained our independence. These economic challenges have been attributed to sanctions that were imposed on us by the West.

Hostile relations between our country and the West emanated from the country’s push to redistribute land to the landless majority.

Sanctions have cost the country billions of dollars and one way to address this, is to mend relations with the West. It is clear that we cannot operate and thrive on our own. Good relations with other nations especially the developed ones can help us develop.

Our industry is not very effective because our technology is obsolete as most of the machines we are still making use of were acquired either before or after independence. We cannot go anywhere until we upgrade our industries. We need to upgrade our operations to increase production and enhance our competitiveness. The potential of doing that and being very successful is very high because we have abundant natural resources. Relations with the West are therefore critical. We have tried all strategies to rescue ourselves but they have not been effective. Our situation is actually worsening. Western countries do not lose much by not being in good books with us. There is never a time when they will come to us and beg to mend relations. We have to take the first step and observe how everything will turn out for the better. Rejoice Sibanda