The Minister of Finance in Zimbabwe, who many people believe to be incompetent and not fit for the job, has predicted that the economy will grow by more than six percent in 2023. But this claim seems far from the reality that people are living in. The Minister was appointed by a president who many believe is not legitimate, and who rules the country without the support of the people. Zimbabweans are suffering under this leadership, and it seems like the government has little concern for their struggles. Many people feel that the country is being ruled by fear and oppression.

For those who understand the political situation, it was clear that appointing this Minister would not change anything for Zimbabwe. The country is facing serious economic and political problems. Yet, in the rural areas, many people continue to support the government. They do so because of food aid given to them along party lines, controlled by local chiefs and headmen. These local leaders, who are also struggling to survive in the economy, are part of the system that uses food as a way to get votes. This is hurting the rural people in the long run, as they are voting without realizing the long-term effects on their lives.

Earlier this year, the government introduced a new local currency to replace the US dollar, which had been used for a long time. To those who understand the political and economic landscape, it was clear that this was just another way for the government to avoid making real changes. The lack of meaningful reforms is one of the reasons why the country is stuck in its current state. The government continues to print more of this local currency, which has no real value. They rely on what is known as “helicopter money” – printing money without it being backed by anything of worth. This move is done to help them stay in power, but it is damaging the economy even further.

The focus on the past, especially the liberation struggle, is no longer resonating with many Zimbabweans, especially the younger generation. The government’s constant mention of its role in the country’s liberation has become less meaningful to people who are struggling to survive in the present day. The reality of day-to-day life is far more important to them than history. Many are fed up with hearing about the liberation struggle when there are pressing issues like inflation, unemployment, and lack of basic services.

The current economic crisis in Zimbabwe has many causes, but the main one is the government’s mismanagement of the economy. The ruling party has not addressed the root of the problem, which is corruption and the lack of real leadership. Zimbabweans continue to suffer as the government keeps making empty promises about economic growth. The prediction of six percent growth for 2023 is hard to believe when people are struggling to afford basic necessities. Inflation is skyrocketing, jobs are scarce, and the local currency is losing its value.

The Minister of Finance, who has been criticized for being out of touch with reality, seems to think that Zimbabwe can somehow grow its economy while ignoring the problems that are holding it back. But without real change, things are not going to improve. The economic crisis will continue, and the government’s promises of growth will remain just that – promises.

Many Zimbabweans are losing hope as they watch the government fail to address the real issues. Instead of focusing on how to grow the economy, the government is more concerned with staying in power. The suffering of the people seems to be a secondary concern. The government’s failure to bring about real change is what is keeping Zimbabwe stuck in this cycle of poverty and economic decline.

In the end, it seems clear that the promise of economic growth in 2023 is just another empty promise. Zimbabweans need real leadership and real solutions, not more talk about growth that never comes. Until the government starts addressing the root causes of the economic crisis, the people of Zimbabwe will continue to struggle.