The Future of Zimbabwe: Prospects for Democracy and Economic Recovery
You can hear my speech at the Heritage Foundation here.
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Speaker(s):
The Honorable David Coltart
Shadow Justice Minister and Member of Parliament for Bulawayo South,
Republic of Zimbabwe
Host(s):
Brett D. Schaefer
Jay Kingham Fellow in International Regulatory Affairs,
The Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom,
The Heritage Foundation
Details:
Location: The Heritage Foundation’s Allison Auditorium
The decline of Zimbabwe over the past decade is tragic. When President Robert Mugabe came to power in 1980, Zimbabwe was rightly regarded as one of the bright lights in Africa. President Mugabe inherited well-developed manufacturing and mining sectors, a competitive agricultural sector, a thriving tourist industry, and sound infrastructure. Zimbabwe was also blessed with rich mineral resources and unique natural resources that led to a thriving tourist industry. Beginning in the late 1990s, however, Mugabe began facing serious challenges to his authority. In response to the growing opposition, he initiated a ruthless, seven-year campaign to maintain political power. During that time, Mugabe has targeted his opponents for abuse, legal harassment, and economic punishment, and used his authority to reward allies. Property rights and the rule of law have been severely weakened. Ruinous economic policies have led to hyper inflation and widespread poverty.
With elections scheduled for March 2008, what are the prospects for a free and fair poll? What are the prospects for policy changes that would arrest the economic decline? What are the prospects for long-term democracy and economic growth in Zimbabwe? Please join us as The Honorable David Coltart, Shadow Justice Minister and Member of Parliament in Zimbabwe, weighs these questions
January 30th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Dear Hon. David Coltart,
My name is Joel Lagan and I’m a student at Cedarville University in Ohio, USA. From July to November 2007 I was studying at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, SA and I met many students from Zimbabwe. Many of them weren’t able to receive the education they desired in Zimbabwe so they had to leave. Many also left because they were essentially exiled by the government for becoming too politically vocal. I was moved by their plight and felt compelled to do further research and subsequently spent 7 weeks in Zimbabwe over Christmas and New Years. I was mostly in Harare and the surrounding area talking to people in fuel queues, grocery stores etc. The constant topic of conversation was the economics of power and the frustration and helplessness that results from poor planning and implementation at the top tiers of government.
I am currently 3 months from finishing my Bachelor’s degree in International Studies-social sciences with an emphasis in development. I hope someday to work for an NGO assisting in relief and development in southern Africa. Because of my experiences over the past 7 months and partially because of my personal connection with Zimbabwe (I just got engaged to a girl who was born and raised in Zimbabwe and still calls it home) I’ve decided to write my senior thesis on Zimbabwe and how economics can undermine nations and have devastating effect on the daily lives of regular individuals.
That being said, I am in the process of searching for first-person resources. I am in touch with several of my professors from South Africa and many of my friends who are Zimbabwean ex-patriots. I am also in touch with a few former-farmers who were kicked off their land during the ill-advised land redistribution attempts. I’m emailing to ask if I may interview (either by email or phone)and memebers of your staff or possibly another person you could recommend who would help me in uncovering the pain of poor economic policy.
Any assistance you can provide in this regard would be most appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Sincerely,
Joel Lagan
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Mr. Coltart we are not getting the right picture of what is happening inside as we are outside
a Year ago I lost my niece in Bulawayo and a simple procedure that is not available could have saved her life she left two children aged 8 and 9
6 months later her father died as he was diabetic
and in September last year her mother followed we battled outside to get Colostamy bags to her and finally she passed away in Bulawayo on 22nd September 2007 and now her two sons in their twenties must look after her grandchildren