Don't let South Africa become the next Zimbabwe: A Warning from a Zimbabwean Advocate
Tendai Ruben Mbofana, a Zimbabwean social justice advocate, writer, journalist, and trainer, warns South Africans against falling into the same trap as his country. He urges South Africans to remain vigilant against politicians who claim to have fought for democracy while simultaneously plundering the nation.
Mbofana's concerns stem from his firsthand experience of Zimbabwe's current state. He highlights the dire economic situation, with an unemployment rate exceeding 90% and widespread poverty. Approximately 80% of the population lives below the poverty line, and nearly 50% are in extreme poverty, unable to afford basic necessities.
In his own neighborhood, Mbofana notes the absence of running water for five years and the deterioration of once-proud schools. The country faces constant electricity outages and the near-total destruction of its national rail system, despite its abundant natural resources, including gold, lithium, and diamonds.
Mbofana criticizes the obscene wealth displayed by politicians, who buy luxury cars like Lamborghinis and Bugattis, while public infrastructure crumbles. He emphasizes that Zimbabwe has never had a constitutional, democratic transfer of power since 1980 and that elections are neither free nor fair.
Despite the current leadership's claims of Zimbabwe being open for business, Mbofana remains skeptical. He believes that the current regime attracts only corrupt individuals and investors willing to pay bribes, rather than honest businesspeople.
Lessons for South Africa
Mbofana urges South Africa to avoid the same pitfalls as Zimbabwe. He warns against the narrative of having fought for democracy and independence, which can blind people to the looting and mismanagement by those in power.
"That's their excuse," he says. "They make you feel indebted to them, and it makes them feel entitled to everything. They see their sacrifices as a license to exploit the country."
Mbofana argues that people in liberation movements, like the ANC, often view their countries as personal property, including taxpayers' money, which should be used for development. He believes that the power given to these leaders by treating them like heroes has created a monster.
He encourages South Africans not to see the ANC as liberators who should be honored for past deeds but to demand that they serve the people's needs. If they fail to do so, he believes they should be voted out.
Mbofana also refutes the narrative that the DA will bring back apartheid, stating that it is a thing of the past and will not return. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the country's future and holding leaders accountable to prevent the destruction of the nation and the future of its children.
