According to the minister of finance, who is widely criticized as incompetent and illegitimate, there will be a miraculous economic growth of more than six percent in 2023. However, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. Many people believe that this prediction is far from the truth, and it seems more likely that the country will experience negative economic growth instead.

To those who are politically aware, it was clear from the start that appointing this minister would not change Zimbabwe’s dire situation. The country is deeply mired in economic and political crises. In rural areas, where people depend on politicized and partisan food aid, many remain unaware of the implications of who holds the office of the minister of finance. This ignorance has led them to sell their votes for very little, worsening their already difficult circumstances.

Earlier this year, a new local currency was introduced to replace the US dollar. For those who understand the political landscape, this move was seen as an attempt to avoid necessary reforms. The lack of these reforms has allowed the government to print more of the local currency, which many consider useless. This currency is backed by the country’s liberation struggle history, which fewer people are finding relevant. This reckless printing of money, often called “helicopter money,” is a strategy to retain power, which is very detrimental to economic development.

The minister of finance, often described as incompetent and illegitimate, claims there will be economic growth in 2023. However, without addressing the fundamental issues causing the economic crisis, this growth is unlikely. The real problem, the significant “elephant in the room,” remains unaddressed. The current state of Zimbabwe, under the rule of the widely criticized ZANU PF, is characterized by suffering and terror among its people. The government is seen as ruling without the consensus of its oppressed citizens.

The promise of economic growth seems hollow when considering the broader context. The appointment of the minister of finance was seen as futile by those aware of the political and economic realities. The rural electorate, influenced by partisan food aid, has not recognized the impact of their votes, which are often sold cheaply. This has led to further suffering and economic instability.

The introduction of the local currency was another misguided attempt to avoid necessary reforms. The reliance on printing more money, without real economic backing, has only worsened the situation. This strategy, aimed at retaining power, is hostile to genuine economic development and has led to widespread economic decline.

In conclusion, the prediction of economic growth by the minister of finance is not grounded in reality. The deep-rooted economic and political issues in Zimbabwe remain unaddressed. The people continue to suffer under an illegitimate government, and the promised growth seems more like a fantasy than a feasible outcome. The economic crisis is likely to persist unless significant reforms are implemented, addressing the core problems that have led to the current state of the nation.