HARARE’S HUSTLE: HOW CORRUPTION FEASTS ON THE CITY’S RESOURCES

In the heart of Zimbabwe, a stark narrative unfolds – a tale of greed, corruption, and the fight for control over Harare’s city council by the ruling party, ZANU PF. This story is not merely about political dominance; it’s a chilling chronicle of exploitation and mismanagement, where power is wielded not for public good but for personal gain, at the expense of the citizens.

At the core of this saga is the city council of Harare, described metaphorically as a “plump, fat low hanging fruit,” ripe for the taking by those in power. This entity, crucial for managing the city’s basic services, becomes a battleground, not because of its administrative role but due to the lucrative opportunities it presents for illicit enrichment. In a country where the rule of law is but a distant memory, the supreme law is contorted to serve the whims of ZANU PF, aiming to cement its hold on power through any means necessary, even if it leads to the state’s collapse.

The personification of this corruption is none other than July Moyo, the Minister for Local Government, appointed by the very regime that has led Zimbabwe down this path of decay. Moyo, emblematic of the corruption festering at the country’s core, stands accused of exploiting his position to defraud the city council of Harare of approximately eight million United States dollars in a scandal involving overpriced water pumps. This year alone, his machinations have not only cost the city financially but have also betrayed the trust of its residents.

This narrative extends beyond a single act of corruption. It is a reflection of a systemic issue, where ZANU PF’s stranglehold on power is maintained through corruption, intimidation, and the suppression of dissent. The regime’s involvement in extrajudicial killings of perceived threats underlines its desperation to cling to power, disregarding human and property rights in the process.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope in this dark tale – the resilience of the opposition. Despite attempts by ZANU PF to undermine it, including exploiting figures like Mwonzora to dilute the people’s struggle, the opposition party remains a beacon of hope for many. It has continuously been re-elected to office, demonstrating the people’s trust and confidence in its commitment to serving their interests.

In a recent turn of events, the opposition has taken a stand against the controversial Pomona deal, recognizing its potential to exploit Harare’s residents further. This move to bring the decision back to the people, ensuring their voices are heard in a true democracy, contrasts starkly with the corrupt practices of July Moyo and his associates. It’s a fight not just for control of the city council but for the soul of Harare itself.

As this story unfolds, it becomes clear that the battle for Harare is more than a political skirmish- it’s a symbol of the broader struggle against corruption, for democracy, and the right of the people to choose their destiny without being preyed upon by those who view public office as a means to personal enrichment. The citizens of Harare, and indeed all Zimbabweans, deserve better than the parasitic, corrupt regime that seeks to feast on their city’s resources. The fight for Harare’s heart is a fight for the future of Zimbabwe itself.