In a rather unusual turn of events, the ruling party of Zimbabwe, ZANU PF, has sternly addressed its young supporters, who are struggling with unemployment and substance abuse issues. These youths, who have fallen victim to a system that has consistently ignored their needs for the past four decades, are now reportedly misusing the name of the nation’s controversial leader to deceive people for personal gain.

The government has failed to provide prompt, reliable, and affordable services, despite the country being rich in natural and fiscal resources. These resources have been mismanaged, with evidence pointing towards widespread corruption and self-enrichment by the political elite. In response to their dire circumstances, some youths have resorted to illegal activities such as drug trafficking and political violence as means of survival.

ZANU PF’s recent actions seem to overlook the root causes of these issues. The party, described by critics as oppressive and tyrannical, blames the youth for problems that are, in fact, a direct result of years of poor governance and mismanagement. This approach is akin to an ostrich burying its head in the sand, ignoring the harsh realities faced by the populace.

These young individuals, pushed to the margins of society, have been forced to exploit their party affiliation out of sheer necessity. They drop the name of the widely regarded illegitimate president to secure resources to feed themselves and their families. This method has become their unintended means of survival, born out of the systemic failure to provide legitimate employment opportunities.

Moreover, ZANU PF leaders have been urged to avoid corruption, a directive that seems ironic given the party’s history and current practices. The call to shun corruption comes at a time when the party is allegedly intensifying efforts to suppress a resurging and credible opposition. The opposition, known for its commitment to transparency and accountability, has been facing severe repression. Senior supporters of the opposition are subjected to violence, and elected representatives, along with members like Sikhala and the Budiriro 26, are unlawfully detained.

This situation highlights a glaring paradox. While the ruling party preaches against corruption, it simultaneously fears the empowered opposition, leading to a crackdown on democratic processes and civil liberties. The impact of this crackdown is most acutely felt by the vulnerable segments of the population, who continue to bear the brunt of the government’s failures.

In summary, ZANU PF’s response to the challenges faced by its youth supporters does not address the systemic issues at play. Instead of recognizing and rectifying the underlying causes of unemployment and lawlessness among the youth, the party chooses to chastise them for symptoms of a problem it has itself created. Until there is a genuine shift towards good governance and real solutions are implemented, the cycle of neglect and exploitation is likely to continue, leaving the youth and the broader populace in a state of despair and frustration.