"...We got our political independence but, the white-man never gave us the knowledge of how to run the economy..."

According to the Oxford dictionary, the noun "independence" means the fact or state of being independent. The definition though it defines the noun, however, it leaves a gap. This then drives one to define what does the noun "independent" mean, it means free from outside control, not subject to another's authority. This then leads one to quote from the vice president of Zimbabwe as he was addressing his party followers in Matebeleland South Provinces Capital Gwanda. The statesman said, "...we got our political independence but, the white-man never gave us the knowledge of how to run the economy...", this blog shall digest, chew to the bone the meaning of the quote. The blog shall attempt to submit the meaning of statesman's statement as it is detrimental, self-infliction, and admission of the ruling party how it has destroyed the economy of Zimbabwe single-handedly without anyone's interference. The blog to some extent can be analysed and understood as an admission by the statesman that the movement has failed to revive the economy. The odds are not in the government's favour and it is time for the movement to take some time out from the political arena and maybe they hand over the keys to the opposition. 

Zimbabwe's economy has been on the nose dive from the beginning of her independence that is to say when Zimbabwe attained her independence on April 18 1980. This can be noted from the Gukurahundi atrocities of 1982 to 1986. The economy shrunk as there was an attack on a minority population, as Mugabe was pushing his agenda of consolidating his control over the newly born nation of Zimbabwe. The adverse economical impact was that from Midlands trickling down to Matebeleland North and South it meant that the economical activities such as mining, farming among other lucrative activities were placed on hold or rather were not operating on full capacity as intended. The key drivers of the economy these are the workers of various fields could not come to work. This then meant production had a brief stagnation as the two parties were seeking control of the country. Observing the bigger picture one can note that the Gukurahundi aggression marked the crumbling of the economy of Zimbabwe. The four years of fighting meant that the debts that were inherited by the Mugabe regime from the Rhodesian government had to be paid for; the more they delayed paying back the debts that they inherited the more the debt grew. It is important to note that the "civil war" took place in the middle part of Zimbabwe spreading down South. It is worth noting that the geographical makeup of Zimbabwe that is to say the topography of Zimbabwe when it comes to minerals wealth the middle part of Zimbabwe down to the South is rich with minerals such as gold, platinum, asbestos, coal, tin among many lucrative minerals. Furthermore, that regions homes all of Zimbabwe's wildlife parks Hwange, Manapools, Gonarezhou, Victoria Falls among other areas of touristic attraction sites that region has to offer. Analysing the two pillars that make up the economy of Zimbabwe were on halt due to war or violence that was ensuing. This meant that the country was losing time and in losing time the country is losing money, in losing money the economy is taking a hit in the negative. This means the economy contracted as it was still fragile and brittle due to the loans applied by the Rhodesian government in buying arms to quail the freedom fighters this was all overseen by the ruling party which is ZanuPF. 

It is insulting that the vice president of sovereign state such as Zimbabwe would utter such a statement in front of the nation and the world. This then means that the whole legacy that was built around Zimbabweans being intelligent and educated and literate has been thrown down the drain. The statement itself carries a passive slave mentality. That is to say, the whitemen must teach the Blackman how to run an economy. This means that the rich legacy of Empire States that was run by the very custodians of the land called Zimbabwe is a mere folktale. City-states such as Great Zimbabwe, Mapungubwe, Khami, Mwenemutapa, The Rozvi Empire, The Ndebele Empire all etched their mark in the books of history. They had a clear economical structure that they learnt by themselves and they managed to sustain their economies through key activities such as trade, mining, farming and hunting. Basic simple tasks perfected birthed empires that send shivers down the spine of anyone who explores the rich archives of history. Kings such as King Solomon acknowledged the existence of Great Zimbabwe. The debate that is being delivered here in this paragraph is that the Whiteman did not teach the Blackman how to run an economy. The Blackman taught themselves to deliver an economy that catered for everyone and everyone benefited. Indeed one acknowledges that there were some societal problems no economy would have thrived on a hundred per cent, the stamping template is that the economies were run by black people who understood the essence of uBuntu or Hunhu. Thus when one looks at the statement, "the whitemen never gave us the knowledge of how to run the economy..." this alone sends the mind thinking what is the statesman meaning rather saying.  The statement itself submits a subconscious admission before the nation of Zimbabwe that the ruling party has failed to revitalise the economy, the ruling party has failed the people of Zimbabwe. In essence, it is a cowardly expression to note the least if one looks at the phrase from the angle of the paragraph. By cowardly one is inclining towards the point of "admission" and being bold to take up the mantle of responsibility to the nation of Zimbabwe that the system is no longer working. In understanding the war of liberation struggle that happened in Zimbabwe, furthermore, the buttressing template was that self-determination and black emancipation. This ideologically and epistemological meant that the ideals of Marcus Garvey of, "build businesses do for yourself" the ideals of Malcolm X, "By any means necessary" and the ideals of Martin Luther King, "Boycott the oppressor". The founding fathers of black emancipation charged that the Blackmen must not look up to the Whitemen for answers to the world. The answers to the world are right in front of you that is to say the answers lie in the hands of the Blackmen when it comes to things such as running an "economy". The pedagogical rhetoric of the Vice President not only does it draw the black agenda backwards it is insulting to note the least thus one quote from Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley's song Redemption Song, "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, None but our self can free our minds...". If the Jewish community is able to run a thriving economy in the desert and turning a desert into a green valley what is stopping the Zimbabwean who is blessed with an abundance of resources; from only one mineral extracted and beneficiated in Zimbabwe and sold on to the market alone can clear all the debts that Zimbabwe owes right to the days of Ian Smith and his racist government. Alas, one reaches to the analysis of noting that the rhetoric of the statement is insulting to black agenda of self-determination in Zimbabwe, but it is shot on the foot on him and the party that he stands for and that is ZanuPF. The cascading rather detrimental impact of that phrase in its nature then means all the Afro-revolutionary parties that brought independence in their countries, rely on the whitemen to run their economies. The only reasoning that can be submitted in this paragraph is that the statesman and his party are not brave and bold enough to admit to the nation and the region that they have failed. 

Running an economy rather a state thus far in one's observation its not an easy task but it is a comprehendible task if followed religiously any state is able to solve its own problems without any assistance that is if the apparatus is respected and maintained to the benefit of the people in that particular territory. The only thing that can be learnt from the whitemen is the medium of communication called English and that is to a lesser extent to note. The purposes of knowing how to communicate in English from a Blackmen's view is to be able to understand their way of thinking and beating him or her at their game rather perfecting their game all for the benefit of the blackmen. The rest such as counting and running an economy does not require a whitemen to teach an African rather Blackmen to do. Thus again the statesman in one's view has been found offside. 

Running an economy of a state thus far in one's observation, this means that the running and managing of public funds has to be handled with discretion and care. That is to say, one is handling peoples lives, therefore, any mismanagement of the economy at the expense of peoples lives in ones view must be equated to a genocidal deed. A deed that is punishable by prison time with hard labour. This means that any public official who takes an oath of office must be held accountable for their actions that places peoples live in jeopardy if found guilty. To substantiate the above reasoning here is a list of scandals that had an adverse economical impact on Zimbabwe. The list is as follows, the 1986 National Railways Housing Scandal,1987 there was Zisco Steel blast Furnace Scandal, Air Zimbabwe Fokker Plane Scandal $100 Million, 1988 the Willowgate Scandal, 1989 ZRP Santana Scandal, 1994 War Victims Compensation Scandal, 1995 VIP Housing Scandal, 1996 VIP Housing Scandal, 1998 Boka Banking Scandal, ZESA YTL Soltran Scandal, TeleCel scandal, Harare City Council Refuse Tender Scandal, 1999 Housing Loan Scandal, NocZimScandal, DRC Timber and diamond UN reported Scandal, GMB Scandal, Ministry of water and rural development Chinese tender scandal, VIP Land Grab Scandal, 2001 Harare Airport Scandal, 2008 to 2014 Airport road scandal, 2016 Mnangagwa Command Agriculture Scandal, 2018 USD$15 Billion Diamond scandal, 2020 Draxgate scandal, 4499 Rapid resulting testing kits scandal. The above scandals are the scandals that were managed to be unearthed however, there are a lot of these scandals hidden away from the public. Managing economies requires skill, knowledge and experience in paying attention to a nation such as Zimbabwe that has an array of gifted intellects this means managing the Zimbabwean economy would not be a herculean task as it has been proven to this date. The point that is being driven towards is that Zimbabwe has been marred by persons who disregard the rule of law and the principles of economics. As this is evident by the 1994 War victims Compensation scandal indeed those who had participated in the war fought for the independence of Zimbabwe and they had to be compensated for their efforts. Though the term "compensate" does not best fit their sacrifices, the best suitable term would be "war grants". However, that was not the situation when paying attention to the whole situation that is related to the War-vets grant. As promised they were entitled to a form of a grant from 1980 down to 1994 the war vets did not receive their grants. This then led them to protest against Robert Mugabe who the then president of Zimbabwe. In order to pacify the growing resentment that was coming from the camp of those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe ordered the then minister of finance to pay the war veterans at that time they were given ZW$50.000 at the exchange market it was USD$3.000. The grant payment had two adverse effects on the value of the Zimbabwean Dollar. The currencies value dropped meaning inflation rose as there were a lot of  Zimbabwean dollar bills in circulation as expected at that time. This then meant that in the economy there was a gap and the gap had to be filled through the increment of tax on the working middle class who are essentially the key fundamental pillars of the Zimbabwean economy. This then translates that the economy of Zimbabwe is an income-based economy. The taxpayers these are the teachers, accountants, nurses, doctors, soldiers, policemen, among other key players in the middle class. They had to pay through taxes that were not balanced by the salaries that they were receiving from the government. Thus it placed the key drivers of the Zimbabwean economy at a disadvantage meaning low wages the way of life gets expensive for the middle-class citizen of Zimbabwe. Basically, the interest rates increased in Zimbabwe from the banks and other financial institutions. This was a reaction as expected from the financial institutions to remain afloat as inflation had taken its toll on the Zimbabwean dollar. All this was overseen by the Zanu PF government, that sought to pacify and quail the growing resentment from the base of support that allowed them to be in power. What seemingly occurred at that time was the economics of the stomach not the economics of the brain. Where economical rationality would have been applied so as to avoid Zimbabwe to chuck into the cesspool economic peril as it is evident to the current situation is experiencing and dating back to 2008 where the Zimbabwean dollar subsequently became null and avoid. Indeed the war-veterans were titled to receive a certain financial grant for their efforts in liberating the country. That has to be appreciated, however, in one's point of these were matters that had to be resolved as Zimbabwe became of age. It is saddening that the efforts and ideas were not utilised and explored during the time was still figuring and establishing her fresh footprint among the league of nations of newly born independent African States. The time and energy were spent fighting senseless tribalistic wars "Gukurahundi" (emphasis added). Paying attention to the mere fact that Zimbabwe inherited debts from the Rhodesian Government, this then indeed acknowledging the harsh reality that Zimbabwe had to service inherited debts the same as other African states. Be that as it may, though the odds were stacked against the Zimbabwean Government of that time. Ideas for managing an economy without the Whitemen ever teaching how an economy would be run might have been spun for the betterment and safety of the country. Furthermore, there were white professionals that would have been absorbed into the running of an economy as they did in other sectors for example when the government was establishing the Zimbabwe National Army it absorbed military personnel from the military fronts of the Rhodesian, ZIPRA, and ZANLA. All three military movements were absorbed to be part of the Zimbabwe National Army. 

Exploring and deconstructing the statement, "...we got our political independence but, the white-man never gave us the knowledge of how to run the economy..."; one arrives at the juncture of the "Accelerated Land reform program". Zimbabwe's economy is an Agro-based economy this means the economy relies heavily on Agricultural activities where produces are exported and sold on the international market this then means that the country earns the much needed foreign currency that is then used to the benefit the country. Acknowledging that Zimbabwe was born from the ashes of a racial, minority influenced government who were focused on making and forcing the black person to be a pariah in their own land to eternity. If the war of liberation struggle did not take place that was the determining template in Rhodesian. Hence, in this statement one acknowledges the efforts of those who sacrificed their time and lives for the liberation of Zimbabwe. In the words of Josiah Magama Tongogara, he said, "what some of us are fighting for is to see that this oppressive system is crushed... I'm dying to see a change in the system that's all, that's all. I would like to see the young people enjoying together, black, white, enjoying together in a new Zimbabwe, that's all...". The wrongs of the past had to be amended in an amicable and sustainable way where the socio fragment of Zimbabwe would not be harmed and would not be interfered with for in its nature carried an adverse effect on the economy heavily (emphasis added). There is no shadow of a doubt that the white minority in Zimbabwe had the means and buying power of controlling the economy. That is to say that the white minority had the full monopoly from the production to manufacturing and ending at the retail. The population of black people business people was rare. These business people where war commanders who traded their camouflage to the suit and tie. The thorn in their journey to secure autonomy and control of the economy where the white minority. Who through the legal principle of property rights their existence within the nation of Zimbabwe was guaranteed. The indication is that the concept of "rule of law" was observed. The concept of rule of law kept the war veterans come politicians to rile up their subordinates to disregard the rule of law and then marched into the farms and taking back the land violently. This then leads one to submit the saga that can be named, "The Anthony Gubbay Saga". The disregarding of property rights in Zimbabwe through the land reform rather accelerated land reform this then meant Zimbabwe was earmarked red as an investment danger zone. The sole reason was based on the accelerated land reform program. Propaganda media was spun much to the hypnosis of an uneducated Zimbabwe at that time. Who were not quite aware of the immense power of propaganda media. Where players such as Tambaoga sang songs that riled the masses into a senseless war. War was the masses plunged themselves into the cesspool of uncertainty as a country. This meant that the future of countless Zimbabweans was tipped on the balancing scale the results were not in the favour of the nation. By that phrase above one is inclining to the mere fact that as the land was being taken back forcefully away from the white minority who over the years of trial and error in the agriculture sector and had managed to perfect the art of agriculture. In a single night, all their blood sweat and tears and sacrifices were washed away by hordes of uneducated war veterans, who were mere pawns to the elevation of the Mugabe regime into the stratosphere of political and economical control of the country. The economical impact of the "Accelerated Land Reform Program"  is that upon distributing the land as planned by the political elite were that they themselves re-employed the white farmer who then worked for the government official who upon looking at the title deeds the land belonged to the black elite politician. Furthermore, the prime available land the chunk of the land was reserved for those who dined with the political figure. The pawns "war vets" some were given some land to work on and yet others to this day are still waiting for their land that they were promised. With the land that is within the hands of the "Black person" as envisioned by the ZanuPF elites the land was underutilized, the persons who given the land many of them had no skill of working with the land, economically how to apply for loans. These new-farmers who were given the land applied for loans squandered the money and failed to pay back the loans that they took, some of the monies that were applied for agricultural projects was diverted to funding their glutinous lavish lifestyles. The ticking time bomb would then explode in front of Zimbabwe's face. The adverse effects of the accelerated land reform program birthed a fractured Zimbabwean society where a fellow citizen was nudged to view a fellow citizen as an enemy a foe a threat an agent hellbound to perpetuate white supremacy in Zimbabwe if it were the Rhodesian times it might be understandable, however in the new Zimbabwe that is uncalled for. Indeed the adverse obvious footprints of the past are there and will never be washed away but can be learnt in order to birth a progressive Zimbabwe. The corruption and nepotism that wormed its way into the very fragment of Zimbabwe's independence have had an outrageous impact on the economy of  Zimbabwe is and has been on an all-time low. The madness that ensued in the so-called land reform program trickled down to the value of the Zimbabwean dollar as it is solely backed by the vibrant agricultural sector. With sector now operating on life support key projects such as research and development from utilities to science to the economics of agriculture all were halted because of the land reform program this then meant that the economy took a dip. In taking a dip this means that the much needed economical activities complimented by a firm operative agricultural sector were halted. This happened under ZanuPF's tutelage this the economical mismanagement do not require a whitemen teaching the Blackman on how to run an economy. The only substantiating observation is those corrupt persons within the ruling party who had meteoric Napoleonic dreams of consolidating wealth and power at the expense of the majority of Zimbabweans by cancerously sabotaging the economy where there is no need for a white-men to teach how an economy should be run. 

An economy is run and operated and paying attention to the simple notion of where there is an action there is a reaction. By that phrase what it means is that any mission that a state has embarked the military tour has adverse impacts when the economy is not suited and prepared to cushion the avalanche impact on the economy. The former President Robert Mugabe claimed that national interests made it essential to provide Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Laurent Kabila's embattled regime with massive military support. Zimbabwe's involvement in the Congolese war, which erupted in August 1998 had a draining impact on the budget, damaging the economy and increasing mass discontent. The government's decision was due largely yo the personal business interests in the DRC of a number of senior politicians and military officers. The tour of the DRC was not sanctioned by the parliament this then means that it was out of the political elite who came up with the idea of charging their own interests at the expense of Zimbabwe's economy. The tour to the DRC occurred under the watch of ZanuPF. In the sense that the managing an economy does not need a white-men, what one is eluding towards at is that the upkeep of the soldiers in the camps meant they had to be financed by the budget. A budget that did not reserve for the tour to the DRC, the money that was meant to pay back the debts that were accrued and other social programs such as education, health, infrastructure development. All programs had to be halted in order to service the military persons who were in the heart of Africa. If the tour had a positive impact on Zimbabwe the results would have proved otherwise, however, the tour was meant to champion the selfish greedy mission of consolidating wealth beyond any measure. 

In conclusion, what can be interpreted from the quote, "...We got our political independence but, the white-men never gave us the knowledge of how to run the economy...". The quote itself is a public admission by the ruling party that they have failed to address the economical woes that have bedevilled the country of Zimbabwe. What can be understood is that measures of reforms must be observed, sincere reforms in order for Zimbabwe to be able to move. Without accepting reforms across the spectrum that makes up Zimbabwe, will be stuck with same old archaic forms of governance where it has driven the black men to be a pariah in their own land. Where the subject called "democracy" is only experienced by the political elite. 

Liar, liar, pants on fire

A typical nursery rhyme that is harmless because it is associated with children when they catch one of their friends lying and they use the rhyme, "liar, liar, pants on fire" repeatedly a means to chastise their friend not to do it again. It is an embarrassment to the child; to be exposed to face the teasing annoying rhyme, however, the connecting factor, in this case, would be the sole fact that the peer lied and he or she has to face the wrath of embarrassment in order to gain and earn their friend's trust and appreciation again. In this case one gets to extrapolate that phrase and transplant it in today's discourse with an observation of the case in the discussion that is the dilapidating state of affairs within the nation of Zimbabwe. It is worth noting and comprehending that once one takes an oath of serving the public one has taken up the crown of thorns of righteousness and transparency though it has been difficult in human existence for the human being in ones view is a complex subject muddled with contradictions and complications.

 The cross of leading the way and not to be shady far fetched or to portray as if one is an obscured-shady character to the public. With that in mind, the discussion gravitates to the irrevocable social contract that one has bonded themselves to. When a public official comes out to the public with inflated lies the sincerity of that person's actions comes under scrutiny and adverse spite and disgust from the people who are desperate to lead and live a normal life. This blog is going to breakdown, churn and chew to the bone the state of affairs of the government of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. An exploration of the infamous Draxgate, the US60million donation, the 4.499 donation from the Namibian Government as purported by Mrs Monica Mutsvangwa among other areas of concern that one expands and explores that best suits the title of the blog, "liar, liar, pants on fire". 

In one's infant existence thus far there are fundamental attributes that one has been exposed to. It is important to note that in any society there are do's and don'ts. With a special observation and articulation to the ideals and norms of leadership. What one is leaning towards to; is one must try as much as they can to foster the culture of accountability and honesty; be it in the distribution of resources such as food, inputs for agricultural activities, grants for businesses to stay afloat among other key steps that have to be taken into consideration in terms of leadership.

 One gets to embrace the sole fundamental area of governance. That is accountability and being truthful. A subject rather an entity that has become difficult to maintain and observe on the continent of Africa and all over the world. Dating back to the colonial times cascading to contemporary times, accountability has been an elusive enigma to many societies and governments.  

Embracing further, the discourse of accountability in particular when persons who have decided to be leaders in any community. It is cut and clear to note that people who are in the public offices they have allowed themselves and consciously allowed themselves to be sacrificed in front of the public. That is to note that everything that they do must be honest, transparent and accountable. It is worth to understand that, "we are all human beings, we stumble, we fall, and we are prone to make mistakes" this is an irrevocable reality hence one pays a glance to the flaws of being a human being, errors are a part of any community and cannot be washed away it is a reality that has to be lived with. What matters in any society is understanding and being able to correct where one has errored and been able to muster the courage to seek atonement for the errors with sincerity and honesty.

As one explores further when a public official stumbles and does not retract back to their errors this becomes an issue. In a country that is rocked and hounded by soaring inflation, a pandemic that is wreaking havoc in the country, untamed corruption that has left an obvious paper trail of economical decay and destruction, the country is virtually in the Intensive Care Unit of the league of Nations Hospital. The only means to embrace relevance and appreciation by the masses is through being honest and accountable "for the truth shall set you free".In as much as one is pursuing transparency though it is a mirage in the desert what matters the most is the efforts that count virtually one is inclining towards the idea of transformation. This means that it is a constant evolution, a consistent evolution where the destination in ones view is never insight. Thus what one is submitting into this paragraph is that accountability is like a religion it has to be practised every day until one achieves their desired goal which to note that it is far from being achieved as long as one is within the realm of mortal men. 

Breaking down the recent events that have rocked the media circles one comes across a plethora of case studies. The case studies are quite interesting to discuss in this blog, however, before one discusses the current array of topics which are going to be unpacked in the later paragraphs one has to track back into the past in order to determine the steps that have been transverse thus far. 

With the so-called birth of "the second republic" that is to say when the now government bayed and took advantage of the masses anxieties, desperation and panic to seal their control of Zimbabwe. Thus far they have not done rather achieved any resounding difference from their predecessor "Robert Gabriel Mugabe" whom they removed from power through force "coupe de tat" and also peoples emotions. There is nothing that aches a nation when the assumed leaders take advantage of the people's emotions only to pursue their selfish desires to affirm and assert their control over a country at the expense of the masses. This then means that such agendas that were championed during the times of liberation have been cast away, this then pushes one to question the whole "war of liberation of war movement" who manipulated the wave of decolonisation that had sparked a wave of self-determination across Africa for their own selfish gains, not for the people but their own goals. The paper trail leads to the current affairs of Zimbabwe, a country in special focus in this blog.

In the so-called "the second republic" observing the masses one note that they had that vision, hope, and aspiration that they would realise the "republic" is going to stand on what people have been yearning to witness and experience in their lifetime. This in all sincerity is not what is being experienced in Zimbabwe as the governance is on record appalling; some have taken to lengths to reflect back to olden days of the Mugabe era Zimbabwe was at least bearable. These might be years of transition, however, years of transition need to show signs of progress and improvements and upgrades that lay the foundation for a meaningful "second-republic". One can juxtapose to the current state of affairs of Zimbabwe is a botched cosmetic plastic surgery where the bodily upgrades are now showing signs of malpractice that was done on the country. 

The first port of call in this never-ending rabbit hole is the list of persons who were accused of externalising foreign currency to offshore accounts https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/world/africa/2018-03-19-emmerson-mnangagwa-names-companies-that-have-failed-to-return-funds/ 

The President announced that the companies were given exactly 90-days to return the funds that they had externalised illegally. The main point of concern is that there was a public appraisal from the president's office to people. The list was made available for all to witness, however, when the funds were returned the companies identities were kept a secret https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/zimbabwe/looters-have-returned-millions-of-externalised-funds-says-zims-new-leader-20180117 indeed the "looters" returned the funds that they externalised. The question then arises what about the ones who did not return the funds that they externalised? In a quote directly from the president, "upon the expiry of the three-month window, the government will proceed to effect the arrest of all those who would not have complied with this directive and will ensure that they are prosecuted in terms of the country's laws". In interpreting the quote above from the statement it is a promise to the pubic stamping that all those accused of externalising funds will face the law. To this day the companies who externalised funds have not yet witnessed the doors of the courts. This raises concern to the citizenry as to why the statesman did not conduct a follow up on the promise he had made to the public. This, in turn, can be interpreted to a lie, a facade that he portrayed to the people. One might try to understand that there are a lot of things that have to be addressed by the statesman's desk there are a lot of issues, there are communications that take place behind the scenes and investigations furthermore discussions and consultations. Hence it can be understood to some an extent that is what is happening within the statesman's office, however, the dictating template which is time gently nudges the intentions displayed to be a lie, therefore, placing his approval rating in the red zone. The citizen's debate would be that the president takes time to fulfil what he had the initial promise that he made in 2018 and now it is 2020 nothing has been fulfilled as promised by the statesman himself. 

The birth of the so-called "second republic" came with the shedding of blood which then sparks fears and triggers an unwanted reaction from the public. The boogeyman of the Mugabe era has returned this is evident on August 1, 2018, violence where civilians were shot and some died. Therefore, opened the Khgalima Motlanthe affectionately known as the Motlanthe Commission. Upon investigating the commission it had a lot of irregularities and inconsistencies that compromised the commission's intention. The intentions can be understood in two facets, one the commission's goal was to bring to light what happened on that fateful tragic day; two ushering the portrait of Zimbabwe is respecting and observing "the rule of law principle". This, however, was not the case upon looking at the commission, there were a lot of inconsistencies https://issafrica.org/iss-today/the-motlanthe-commissions-anniversary-of-shame the inconsistencies that were found in the commission can be evident from the language barrier. This then resulted in the commission to be muddled and inconsistent the parties in concern were not corporating with the commission, some of the victims of the fateful day decided not come to the commission and narrate their side of the story because of fear. Zimbabwe is a country that has been ruled by repression and violence, where freedom of speech is a mere imagination. What happens on the ground is a different situation altogether names that come to mind are Itai Dzamara, Jestina Mukoko among countless victims who have witnessed and experienced state-sponsored abductions. Thus the commission from the get-go was compromised. Hence drawing back to the title of the blog. One is drawn to observe that the intentions of the state were a lie, a fallacy to best submit the assertion the intentions of the state were a plastic surgery. This then exposes another crucial point to note that the state and people relationship is compromised that is a note that people are fearful of the retribution that would come when people express themselves of what they think and how they feel. In essence, the "idea" of freedom of expression is a distant understanding within the bounds of Zimbabwe unless if one is associated with ruling elite then that persons freedom of expression is approved and is given an ear, basically it is an Animal Farm situation in Zimbabwe, "some animals are more equal than others". They lacked sincerity and commitment. A year and counting the perpetrators of that fateful day have not been brought to book, charged for their actions. Everything in Zimbabwe is another day that is going on like any other normal day. It is worth noting the submission handed in by the police was quite far fetched to note the least with all honesty being submitted in this literature. The police submitted in their argument noting that they were overwhelmed by the protesters hence they called in the army. In the layman view how can the Police be overwhelmed by mere protesters who have nothing to lose but their lives, Zimbabwean Police are known to be equipped on how to deal with protesters in a more, one can note "civil manner" there are innumerable reports tagged with how the police have dealt with protesters in the past, present and future. However, one can note if the army was called in to disperse and control civilian protesters they would have brought in equipment that is meant to curb the protesters. On that fateful day that was not the case, the servicemen came to the "party" armed to the teeth and ready to spill blood. In as much as one would submit and state that the protesters were vandalising, admittedly noting that is what happens during a protest, however, the point in concern in this note is that the servicemen who took the oath of "serve and protect". Arrived on to the scene and started firing live bullets at the picketing crowd, this then resulted in the loss of lives of civilians. Thus the critical concern bubbles to the surface of who are they serving and protecting? The people or the political elite and their oligarchs who are pulling the strings behind the shadows. Do they not have a conscience over their actions? Is Zimbabwe a military state or a police state or democratic state, when and how can one note there is need of deploying the servicemen, the civilian protesters carrying weapons also, by weapons one is inclining to guns. On record the civilians were holding placards and marching indeed there are unscrupulous fundamentalists who were carrying rocks, however, there are other tools that could have been used to quail the picketers such as tear gas, rubber bullets "though they are lethal and can lead to death", button sticks, dogs, civil means of dispersing crowds through dialogue? All of these questions come rushing to the mind seeking clarity, where the state blatantly pays a blind eye, by not bringing the parties who have been implicated with the crimes of that fateful day. This then delivers the key point of concern that is to note that the people in power themselves are beneficiaries of the Mugabeistic means of controlling power which is evident on to the day when the protesters were murdered thus one analysing finds out that this regimes intentions were a lie. Thus one witness as substantiated by the deaths of the civilians on that fateful day. Therefore in summing up the commission was just a cosmetic surgery it lacked intention, meaning, and sincerity. To stretch the commission one can note it is no similar to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that was handled in South Africa. Where in obvious case the African was the one who lost at the end and the perpetrators went free and are still to this day.  That is the same situation in Zimbabwe after the Commission that was headed by the former president of South Africa. This raises a grievous concern on how the life of a black person is cheaply treated like a disposable commodity by the people in power who is also black. The lies from the deployment of the security services to the compromised commission thus one seeks to embrace the state of affairs within Zimbabwe were officials spearhead the hearsay before the public is grievous concern. The concern results in the mismanagement of state funds, to unfollowed convictions, to tender to grant to prematurely born companies that are two weeks old, the solar power projects among many crimes that are going unpunished. This then raises a concern of judicial independence in Zimbabwe. Are the courts of Zimbabwe independent, that is to say, is the rule of law in Zimbabwe alive and respected, or it is not as far as one observes it is a debatable question but the results on the ground when one observes they are appalling. 

Continuing with this blog it can best be understood that the concept of freedom comes at a price, in this case, there is something that one has to give up in order to enjoy the fruits of freedom. Thus the next point in discussion in this paragraph explores the rights and responsibilities of people in leadership. Here what is one is navigating towards to, is the point of discussion that is the alleged procurement of the medical supplies from Namibia. As it was announced by Mrs Monica Mutsvangwa as she was informing the committee that the country has acquired four thousand four hundred and ninety-nine (4.499) medical equipment from Namibia. A few weeks later the Namibian government through her Ministry of foreign affairs refuted the claims that were delivered by Mrs M. Mutsvangwa. A diplomatic embarrassment, there are a lot of topics that are going to be discussed in this paragraph with regards to the whole lie. Mrs Mutsvangwa she is on record to say, "The receipt of a total 4.499 rapid result test kits from Namibia on 15 April 2020 and subsequent distribution to provinces". The Namibian government then responded to the claims that were issued out to the public. The Namibian government then said, "The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, through the Namibian Embassy in Zimbabwe sought clarity on the matter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe. In a formal response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe informed that the allegations of the alleged donation of 4499 testing kits from Namibia to Zimbabwe were unfounded and erroneous...". The Namibian government further said, "The Ministry would like to reiterate the assurances to the Namibian public that there was no such donation made by the Government of the Republic of Namibia to the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe".   https://www.namibiansun.com/news/controversy-engulfs-zim-test-kit-donation2020-06-10 

To note one is drawn first and foremost that the sudden divulsion of facts rather evidence to the people leaves a lot to be desire. The point that is being submitted in this case in the discussion is the diplomatic embarrassment to this government. There is nothing that is embarrassing in front of the whole SADC region, let alone Africa and the world when a respected official is on tape lying. Indeed people lie Bill Clinton lied that, "he (I) did not have any sexual relations with that woman". The Americans and the British lied to the world that Saddam Hussein Al-Tikrit had weapons of mass destruction and he was manufacturing biological weapons. Which was lie, the late dictator had no arsenal of such nature in his country. In clear black and white, they wanted an excuse to invade Iraq in 2003 in which they managed to concoct one. The bottom line in this paragraph is that lying is inevitable, but when one is within the realms of public authority and is serving the public there must be accountability, transparency and honesty. In the "rapid result testing kits saga" that is not the case. 

Digging deeper with the rabbit hole one comes to acknowledge that such lies have outrageous negative implications to the country. The implications are economically when countries such as Tanzania have unlocked "middle-income economical status"; when countries such as South Africa are prime economical destination sites when countries such as Botswana have excellent investment opportunities. Everything starts with honesty within the offices of those who are overseeing the daily lives of the citizenry. Looking at the case study at hand it projects a different story altogether, a story that is riddled with embarrassment and lies. The effects of that public blunder are that when a public official is lying in front of the camera and is on record no investor is willing to work with a government official who lies to the country. A public official who uses the names of another juristic person to cover up their lies then the juristic person whose name they have included in their lies comes out and debunks the lies and tells the truth. This is one's view exposes the nature of the people who are within the government itself. Liars who are not afraid to use another person to hide their lies. Thus this then compromises the whole fray of integrity within the offices of anyone associated with Mrs Mutsvangwa and company. In as much as they are trying to use the mantra that is now irrelevant, "Zimbabwe is open for business" no one is willing to come and work with a liar unless that person is a warmonger or mercenary. Breaking down the effects of Mrs Mustvangwa's lies, one unearths another point of discussion in acknowledging that she is a war veteran. Which is a respectable feat that she did for the country? The area of concern when it comes to the blatant lying she expressed in front of the government this lays a dent on the brand  "war-veterans". What is being driven home in this regard is that the philosophical ideology of war veterans that they were taught to lie in the war of liberation. The epistemological process ingrained of lying by war veterans this then means that the later generation that comes after the war veterans are going to copy the same traits of lying in front of the whole nation. Therefore, when one looks at the whole case from a birds-eye view understands that the whole system is riddled by the plague of lies. Who peddle the agenda of misleading a nation further into the depths of nothingness was unchastened lying carries on until kingdom come. The mere fact that Mrs Mutsvangwa and her office have not come out to the nation and apologised for misleading and misinforming the nation indicates the type of people who are occupying the offices of the public. The mere fact that the Ministry of foreign relations has not apologised to the Namibian government for attempting to tarnish their good name with a lie; indicates how they view of fellow African States, they view them with no respect. Thus one will submit this view of noting that the sacred philosophical idea of Pan-Africanism is a foreign concept to them. The epistemological understanding of the concept of uBuntu or Hunhu is an alien concept to them, therefore, the attempted to hoodwink which was foiled by transparency and integrity did not prevail. Alas with the 4.499 rapid result testing kits case; one starts to question the integrity of everything that has been submitted before the public by the Mrs Mutsvangwa in her capacity as a government official. How many lies were fed to the people and how many truths were dished to the people. Let alone understanding the campaign that was championed by the President of transparency and accountability and she is doing the opposite of what the President is envisioning Zimbabwe to be. Thence one then tries to understand that the bureaucrat is she the "third force, the people who are hell bound to tarnish the image of the president?" that is always mentioned by the government? If that is the case why is she still in authority because she being seated there as an official for the president and the people this then means that the president and his administration is on the jamboree of misleading the people of Zimbabwe who aspire to lead a simple normal life where they are in the full glare of accountable public officials. Therefore in understanding these outrageous actions that are on the record before the nation of Zimbabwe the only means that the public official "Mrs Mutsvangwa" must do is hand over her resignation. The sole reasoning is based on the fact that she misled the country and government thus the integrity that is being endorsed "well the question is, is there any integrity left?". To an extent, her "Mrs Mutsvangwa" lying before the nation to an extent can be equated to "treason" though it would be up for debate within the realm of intellectuals. The reasoning to submit as to the fact that she could be charged on the grounds of treason is that; she is a government official who is under oath and has taken up the mantle to serve the nation of Zimbabwe. Therefore, when Namibians view Zimbabwe or other fifty-three African states view a Zimbabwean. They are quick to associate Zimbabweans as liars and peddlers of fallacy it all stems to the actions of Mrs Mutsvangwa who lied in front of the camera. Therefore this discussion exhausts the sole point of brand integrity a brand must be guarded jealously and must be observed as if it is a religion, that is if one is willing to look at the concept in that form. 

The implications of brand tarnishment are plain and simple. In as much as the government is attempting to attract investors to the country. In as much as the government is attempting to display an honest and transparent image before financial institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, The Paris Club, The European Union, The Chinese Bank, Afroexim Bank, among other financial institutions. Some will be willing to take a gamble in funding projects in Zimbabwe, however, the majority of the institution will not dare themselves to come into any form of communication with officials who do not hold integrity. Therefore the funding that Zimbabwe solely needs will be a mirage of an oasis in the desert. 

In one's observation thus far governance entails key fundamental concepts, however, the concept in discussion in this paragraph is the substantiating template of transparency. Zimbabwe is embroiled in a whirlpool of uncertainty and anxiety this has left countless innumerable citizens in the wilderness of panic. Three years and counting the President has not done anything that proves that everything in Zimbabwe is promising. Investors have marked Zimbabwe as the Bermuda triangle of investment destinations. All the aspects of making Zimbabwe a viable, lucrative destination are becoming slimmer as the years go by. In a few months time, the nation will be gearing for another presidential election and the current president in three years and counting he has not yet delivered on what he had promised the citizenry. This in itself plunges his approval rating that was taken and seen by a grain of salt deep down into the depths of nothingness. The above commentary is buttressed on the Draxgate.  https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-06-11-a-looter-continua-for-how-long-can-emmerson-mnangagwa-and-his-corrupt-regime-cling-to-power/#gsc.tab=0

 In the recent turn of events in Zimbabwe, the President again is caught on tape as he announced on national television that Mr President Mnangagwa said, "I am happy that after my personal appeal to Drax they have done tremendous donation to support the mobilisation effort we are making currently" the president further said, "They(Drax International) have donated US$60Million to us to procure medicines and equipment and they have also donated a number of drugs". As the facts of the case study have been uncovered nothing has was delivered to the state of Zimbabwe   https://allafrica.com/stories/202006160462.html 
It is ironic how the paper trail is directed towards the president and his association with the company and then eventually led to the realisation that the president lied to the nation. This can be substantiated through the suspending of the Zbc Cameraman Mr Stan Marodza who was placed on suspension without pay for releasing the video where the president was thanking the company.  The suspension of Mr Marodza in one view is clear evidence of how the system seeks and pursues the journey of hiding lies where they thrive from https://zimbabwevoice.com/2020/06/25/zbc-cameraman-suspended-over-mnangagwa-nguwaya-video/  
There is a saying that says lies have short legs and there is a Fulani proverb that says, "The hole of lying is not deep" and then there is a Shona proverb that says, "Rina manyanga hariputirwi". All the above metaphors to best sum it submits the point that lies are difficult to cover in as much as one is embracing lies to peddle their agenda of transparency the truth will surface eventually. Analysing Mr Marodza's suspension is a reaction of the government is trying to cover its lies from the public. A warning that is directed towards any journalist or videographer who seeks to expose the government or government officials errors to the public shall be suspended. The action itself paves the way to the capturing of media houses in Zimbabwe. Therefore the rule of law this literary means that the respecting of peoples professions in Zimbabwe rather in the current administration that still benefits from the Mugabeistic administration. Hurries and hounds professionals who are doing their jobs, this results in censored administration where it benefits from peddling lies to the public and hoodwink the public for its own personal gains as an administration. Therefore one reflects at the "ideology" that they enforce that they claim were forged the war of liberation struggle. The ideology of accountability and honesty, however, they intentionally lie to the public. Therefore the analysis critiques the whole system itself that it peddles lies in front of the nation, a nation that is searching desperately for answers of maybe there is hope within the leaders. With the case of Mr Marodza in the discussion, it can be understood that the euphoria is far away from being realised. 

Thus again the Presidents office has not released any formal communication with the public this then results in the nature of the president that in as much as he is trying to paint a picture of the second republic. The attempts themselves are being foiled by his efforts. Breaking down the silence from the president one sees that he is comfortable with his situation also he seeks not to be interrogated for being associated with the dodgy company.  This then results in suspicion, disapproval and ridicule from the public towards the president. 

In conclusion, it is evident that if lies are peddled by public officials they have a shelf life that limited eventually the truth shall surface. In as much as they seek to paint an honest picture in front of the public, the hideous paper trail of lies follows them everywhere they go.