The Zimbabwe Government is Not Learning from Past Mistakes

In Zimbabwe today, it is clear that history is repeating itself. Our government is unwilling to learn from the errors of the past, both from our own experiences under Robert Mugabe and from the failures of other African governments. Instead of forging a new path of accountability, inclusivity and economic prudence, we continue to fall into the same traps that have long stunted our progress.

One of the most obvious mistake is the persistent tendency to take citizens for granted. Governments across Africa, from Nigeria to Sudan, have demonstrated how dangerous it is to ignore the will of the people. Zimbabwe should have learned that once the bond of trust between leaders and citizens is broken, rebuilding it is impossible. Yet, policies are still crafted without meaningful consultation and citizens are left to shoulder the burden of corruption, poor service delivery and broken promises.

Under Robert Mugabe's rule, Zimbabwe, once the breadbasket of Africa, but later became synonymous with hyperinflation, international isolation and political repression. We had a chance, after his departure, to reset and rebuild. Instead, old habits persist, over-centralisation of power, lack of transparency in governance and a culture of impunity where those responsible for economic mismanagement are never held accountable.

Another mistake being repeated is the overreliance on natural resources without developing other sectors. We witnessed how Nigeria's dependence on oil revenue created vulnerability when global prices fell. Zimbabwe is now pinning its hopes almost entirely on mining, yet revenues are mismanaged and communities hosting mines see little benefit. Without investment in manufacturing, technology and agriculture, we are setting ourselves up for future crises.

The government is also failing to learn from the importance of creating inclusive economies. Across Africa, when leaders enrich a small elite while sidelining the majority, unrest inevitably follows. Zimbabwe risks repeating this cycle. A government that does not listen to its people, that treats citizens as mere voters during elections but neglects them thereafter, is planting seeds of instability.

We should also look at the lesson of Rwanda, which despite its controversies, has shown the benefits of accountability, planning and visionary leadership. Instead of borrowing such examples, Zimbabwe often clings to outdated models of patronage politics. This approach fuels corruption and blocks young people, innovators and entrepreneurs from contributing meaningfully to national growth.

What Zimbabwe needs is leadership that acknowledges past mistakes and dares to chart a new course. A government that listens, that respects its citizens and that manages national resources responsibly. Anything less is a betrayal of the sacrifices made by those who fought for independence.

The truth is simple, Zimbabweans cannot be taken for granted forever. When people are ignored, when promises are broken and when hope is extinguished, frustration builds. We must not wait until anger explodes into unrest before real reforms are made. The time to change is now.

If our leaders continue to repeat the same mistakes, then the story of Zimbabwe will remain a tragic cycle of missed opportunities. We deserve better.

Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
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