Festive Crackdown or Festive Crisis? How Mthuli Ncube's Policies Punish the Poor

The Zimbabwean government, under the stewardship of Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, has launched a door-to-door crackdown to confiscate smuggled goods. This initiative, introduced during the festive season, is being touted as a measure to protect local industry and prevent the loss of revenue. However, this heavy-handed approach not only misses the mark but also threatens to deepen the economic woes of ordinary Zimbabweans.

The timing of this crackdown is particularly troubling. Festive seasons are a time of hope and rejuvenation, yet the government's decision to intensify its enforcement efforts during this period is set to create food and commodity shortages. Smuggled goods have become a lifeline for many families who cannot afford exorbitantly priced local products. By removing these items from the market without addressing the underlying causes, the government is effectively condemning citizens to a bleak holiday season.

Zimbabwe's economy is already on its knees. High unemployment rates, staggering inflation, and a collapsing currency have driven many citizens to rely on affordable alternatives in the informal market. Instead of addressing these systemic issues, the government's crackdown is likely to exacerbate them.

Prominent economist Conrad Ndiweni has criticized the move, stating:
"The problem lies in the cost of production and the lack of support for local industries. Smuggled goods are a symptom, not the disease. The government needs to focus on creating an environment conducive to manufacturing, not punishing citizens for trying to survive."

As history has shown, such measures often lead to the unintended consequence of fueling black markets. The crackdown will drive smuggled goods further underground, making them more expensive and less accessible to the average Zimbabwean. The result? A double blow to families already struggling to make ends meet.

Radical political commentator Peter Ndagona argues:
"This is not governance; it is economic warfare against the people. Instead of creating jobs and revitalizing the productive sector, the government is deploying rogue teams to enforce draconian policies. It's a testament to their inability to solve real problems."

Minister Ncube and his colleagues seem more intent on optics than outcomes. While cracking down on smuggling may give the appearance of action, it does little to address the root causes of the problem: lack of job opportunities, high production costs, and an over-reliance on imports. By failing to invest in manufacturing and industrial growth, the government has left the economy vulnerable to precisely the issues they claim to be addressing.

The way forward lies not in crackdowns but in creating a robust, self-sustaining economy. This requires:

Job Creation: Empowering citizens through meaningful employment opportunities.

Support for Local Industry: Subsidizing production, lowering taxes, and providing incentives for manufacturers.

Economic Reforms: Addressing corruption, streamlining bureaucracy, and creating investor-friendly policies.


Zimbabweans deserve better than performative governance and punitive measures. It is high time the government shifts its focus from short-term crackdowns to long-term solutions that prioritize the well-being of its citizens.

The current approach is not just anti-people—it is anti-progress. Without meaningful change, Zimbabwe's festive season will remain bleak, and its future even bleaker.