In a big show of power and strategy, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is making big moves to impress the Southern African Development Community (SADC) during their annual summit in Harare this August. To prepare, he is upgrading infrastructure, fixing roads, and building new villas. The regional leaders will be hosted at the new Parliament Building in Mount Hampden or the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Harare/The Meikles, formerly Meikles Hotel.
These grand gestures come at a critical time. After a controversial election win last year, which SADC leaders did not accept, President Mnangagwa’s efforts go beyond just being a good host. He wants to secure political legitimacy and survival and distract from Zimbabwe’s economic and social problems. These actions raise questions about the priorities and governance strategies of Zimbabwe and other similar regimes.
Such grand displays are common in places where leaders face both local disapproval and international scrutiny. By focusing on infrastructure and hosting capabilities, leaders like Mnangagwa aim to show stability and progress on the world stage. They hope international validation will turn into political endorsement and prestige, boosting their standing both at home and abroad.
However, these leaders often put these spectacles above the immediate needs of their own citizens. This can lead to neglecting essential services like healthcare, education, and welfare, making life harder for the people. The irony is clear: while majestic villas rise, the foundations of societal well-being crumble. This is not just an African story but a global issue where political optics often overshadow real progress.
The negative outcomes of such governance are many. A country might shine for a while on the global stage, but this shine is a mirage that soon fades, revealing unmet public needs and ongoing internal challenges. Misusing resources can cause economic inefficiencies and a disconnect between the government and its people. Over time, this erosion of trust and legitimacy can destabilize society, leading to unrest and dissatisfaction.
Moreover, focusing on impressing international visitors can be a superficial fix to deeper systemic problems. Showcasing economic progress might attract short-term investments or diplomatic nods, but it doesn’t address underlying economic disparities or infrastructure issues. The gap between showcased developments and the lived experiences of citizens can grow, often leading to significant civil unrest.
In Zimbabwe’s case, as President Mnangagwa rolls out red carpets and polishes new buildings, the real test is within the average Zimbabwean’s home. It is important for leaders to shift their focus towards sustainable and inclusive development. True progress is not measured by the heights of buildings or the smoothness of roads but by the health, happiness, and well-being of the population.
The situation in Zimbabwe is a strong reminder of the complex interplay between governance, legitimacy, and public perception. It shows the need for leaders to prioritize justice and equity, making sure that the real needs of the citizens are met with the same energy as those of impressing international dignitaries. As SADC leaders gather in Harare, the world watches, waiting to see if the sparkle is part of a deeper change or just another layer of veneer on an unstable structure.