ZANU PF’S RULE DESTROYS LOCAL INDUSTRY AND HELPS CHINESE COMPANIES

ZANU PF’s rule has caused serious problems for businesses in Zimbabwe. Companies like Zimcast, Radar Castings, Kariba Batteries, Fort Concrete, and David Whitehead are now gone. These companies were wiped out because of ZANU PF’s policies, corruption, and violence against peaceful dissent. Chinese companies have replaced them, but this does not mean more industry. Instead, it has led to less industry and more problems for the country.

The start of the problem was the Economic Structural Adjustment Program (ESAP). This program was not the real issue; it was just trying to fix problems caused by ZANU PF. The main issue was ZANU PF’s desire to make Zimbabwe a one-party state with a powerful president. This idea came from the support ZANU PF got from communist Russia and China during the fight for independence. After independence, Zimbabwe got caught up in global politics, and ZANU PF chose to align with socialism, influenced by China and North Korea. This choice was a mistake and led to many problems for the country.

Corruption in Zimbabwe began early, right after independence. Examples include the Paweni scandal in 1982, the National Railways Housing Scandal in 1986, and the Air Zimbabwe Fokker Plane Scandal in 1987. Corruption became a big part of the government, causing many issues. Money meant for companies like ZISCO was stolen, leaving these companies unable to modernize and compete globally. This led to their collapse and further deindustrialization.

Foreign investors who wanted to revive these looted industries had to pay bribes to ZANU PF. They were also forced to include ZANU PF elites in their companies. This corruption scared away investors and stopped the growth of industry. Between 2013 and 2014, at least 4,610 companies shut down because of ZANU PF’s destructive policies. The opposition had managed to reduce corruption and help industries during the Government of National Unity, but ZANU PF reversed these gains.

ZANU PF prefers Chinese companies that do not follow local laws. These companies do not pay taxes and mistreat their workers. For example, Huawei has not paid taxes, and some Chinese companies have even shot workers who demanded their salaries. This unfair competition makes it impossible for local companies to survive. As a result, many local companies have closed down or moved to other countries.

The empty factories have become cheap rental spaces for churches. This is a sign of how much industry has declined in Zimbabwe. The only way to fix these problems is to change the government. When the opposition comes to power, they can stop corruption, enforce laws, and support local businesses. This will help revive the industry and improve the economy.

In conclusion, ZANU PF’s rule has caused great harm to Zimbabwe’s industry. Their desire for power, corruption, and preference for Chinese companies have led to deindustrialization. Local companies cannot compete with unfair Chinese practices and are forced to shut down. The opposition offers hope for change and a better future for Zimbabwe’s industry and economy.