Wonders never cease. Zimbabwe, known for its troubled economic and political landscape, appears to be on the brink of further decline. The current leadership has held onto power through questionable means, undermining the nation’s stability and development with ineffective solutions that ignore the root causes of its problems.

At the center of the latest controversy are the so-called digital gold coins. These were introduced as a supposed solution to the ongoing economic crisis, following the failure of physical gold coins to stabilize the economy. However, experts and observers are skeptical. They argue that digital gold coins will not fare any better than their physical counterparts, especially since the supply of these coins cannot be easily adjusted to meet the economic needs of the country. This limitation hampers the government’s ability to manipulate the economy through traditional monetary policies such as quantitative easing.

The digital gold coins are seen as another populist measure that does not address the real issues facing Zimbabweans. For years, the government has been criticized for its heavy-handed and often illegitimate tactics to maintain control. From undermining national security and sovereignty to neglecting the welfare of its people, the administration has been involved in numerous scandals and mismanagement episodes that have only worsened the plight of the citizens.

These issues are compounded by the government’s focus on retaining power rather than governing effectively. Policies and measures that could genuinely improve the lives of the people are sidelined in favor of those that consolidate the ruling party’s grip on power. For instance, the introduction of mud ovens and pfumvudza farming techniques have been touted as developmental, but they fall short of addressing the structural challenges such as the lack of basic healthcare, education, and access to clean water.

The implementation of digital gold coins is likened to the use of RTGS, an electronic local currency that has been printed uncontrollably, particularly to finance the security sector. This sector plays a crucial role in maintaining the political status quo, further entrenching the government’s illegitimate hold on power. Like RTGS, the digital coins are expected to fail because they are part of a broader strategy of economic mismanagement used to sustain a regime that prioritizes its survival over the well-being of its people.

The digital coins are unlikely to solve the humanitarian crisis triggered by food insecurity, which has led to a desperate population selling their votes for food. The government’s approach to crisis management has been piecemeal and shortsighted, focusing on temporary fixes rather than sustainable development. As a result, the digital gold coins are doomed to fail, adding another layer to the ongoing economic disaster.

In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s crisis is deepening with each passing day. The introduction of digital gold coins is yet another testament to a government out of touch with the real issues and suffering of its people. Without a genuine shift towards transparent, accountable, and people-focused governance, the country’s journey to recovery remains a distant dream. The digital gold coins, much like the failed policies before them, are unlikely to be the solution Zimbabwe desperately needs.