Changing Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is experiencing many ups and downs. Some are strongly influencing and regulating the life style of the populace either towards nourishment or down the hole of poverty. The complex blending of the economic and political environment has siphoned fuel shortages. Queues for petrol and diesel are a common sight. Some sections of public transport have been grounded, as diesel is almost extinct in Zimbabwe. The situation is improving for the better with petrol and oil sourced from Libya.

High hospital fees have scared away many, leaving patients home or turning to other treatments! Mere registration costs around ZW$150(about US$3). A visit to most hospitals that four years ago were littered to capacity with patients draws empty beds. Universities and Colleges have had their catering privatised making food expensive for students. A plate costs ZW$50.There is already an outcry how these changes are going to trigger prostitution.

Public transport is now very expensive to the ordinary Zimbabwean with fares between suburbs in cities costing ZW$25 a go. Travelling to Marondera to Harare is now $100, which used to be a mere $5 five years ago. Towns and Cities are having their electricity rationalised and cut off for at least four hours a week.

The prewired influence of the economy has touched government departments - with the government implementing an appraising system. Headmasters in schools have been given the overall say to ran their institutions and appoint teachers. The determinants have passed a profound sense of discontent. Stranger still, minimum wages have been increased but still fail to be in pattern with the economy.

The main dominant change in Zimbabwe has been the land Acquisition Act passed by the Government. Some farms have been compulsorily acquired for distribution to the landless.

The deserting of ZBC's monopoly has brought smiles to those who want to own private radio and TV stations. The government has proposed the setting up of special colleges to teach nationalism. The colleges will be accepting students straight from O and A levels to be taught everything about the pride of being Zimbabwean and the operation of military weapons. Apparently, the government will be recruiting potential civil servants from there!

Schools have been ordered to stop using foreign exam boards such as University of London and Cambridge University and instead stick to ZimSec exams. It also follows a move for all schools with names bearing the mark of colonisation to change and adapt names in honour of Zimbabwean liberation hero's. The move has not been successful due to lack of funding. There was also a proposal for Zimbabwean schools to adopt a national uniform.

Parliament passed a media bill, which regulates journalists widely and draws scrutiny of publishing houses, as they have to publish their accounts as well as contribute to a media fund.

Zimbabwe's only International Airport has had a makeover with a new tower built. Further extensions are expected. Direct flights from London and many other major cities can now be made to Victoria Falls.

The government declared a state of emergency to the HIV and AIDS crises. As a result, importation of drugs and equipment related to the disease has been softened. An aids levy is also in place and compulsory. Zimbabwe faces a drought and hunger and is relying on aid to fed a third of the nation. The drought has widely hit Southern Africa.

The government has also dropped some privileges for Zimbabweans living abroad. Zimbabweans with foreign visas are being given temporary visas of about 21 days on return. This affects all students living outside the country.

Custom controls have also been tightened with officers now holding the power to determine and value imported goods without taking into consideration documentations and receipts.

Tighter foreign currency controls have been put in place to counter the huge raising black market. Banks have also put in place strong controls on the amount of money, which can be withdrawn from accounts per day.

On a high note, the government has relaxed controls and encouraged ordinary people to venture into business. Many businesses, which were monopolies, have been opened up for competition.