by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – MOUNTING criticism is being directed at the Zimbabwean government for what observers describe as a pattern of governance failures, economic mismanagement and an apparent inability—or unwillingness—to protect its citizens, both at home and abroad.
Across Africa and globally, governments typically act swiftly when their nationals are threatened, harmed or killed in foreign countries.
However, critics argue that Zimbabwe’s response to such incidents has been muted, particularly in cases involving xenophobic violence in neighbouring South Africa, where Zimbabwean nationals have at times been targeted.
This perceived silence has sparked concern among civil society organisations, including Citizens Watch Zimbabwe (CWZ), which is increasingly vocal about what it sees as systemic shortcomings in governance and accountability.
CWZ President, Ms Patience Chard, told CAJ News Africa that governments have a fundamental duty to safeguard their citizens, regardless of where they reside.
“The government must stand up for its people when they are unfairly treated, abused, injured or killed in xenophobic attacks,” she argued.
Chard contrasted Zimbabwe’s approach with that of other African nations that have taken firm diplomatic steps when their citizens were targeted abroad.
“It is as if Zimbabwean citizens have no protection at all. Law-abiding Zimbabweans are harassed, intimidated, attacked and even killed, yet the response from authorities is largely absent,” she said.
She added: “When citizens are abused, harmed or threatened through orchestrated xenophobic violence, the silence from those in power is deeply concerning and unacceptable.”
Beyond the issue of diaspora protection, critics argue that Zimbabwe’s internal challenges are driving citizens to seek opportunities abroad in the first place.
Persistent unemployment, limited industrial growth, deteriorating infrastructure and inconsistent service delivery have contributed to a prolonged economic crisis.
Analysts warn that when governments fail to prioritise development and instead become associated with corruption and patronage, the consequences can be severe.
Institutionalised corruption erodes public trust, diverts resources away from essential services such as healthcare and education, and discourages both domestic and foreign investment.
Equally concerning is the practice of appointing individuals to positions of authority based on political loyalty rather than merit.
Such “cadre deployment” can weaken institutions, reduce efficiency and undermine long-term planning, ultimately stalling national progress.
Partisan politics further complicates governance, often leading to polarisation and policy inconsistency.
In such an environment, economic reform becomes difficult, and opportunities for inclusive growth are lost.
The result is a cycle of stagnation, where unemployment rises and citizens increasingly migrate in search of stability.
Chard called on Zimbabweans, both at home and in the diaspora, to demand accountability from their leaders.
“It is time for citizens to come together and insist on better governance, transparency and meaningful development,” Chard said.
She also stressed the importance of addressing long-standing structural issues, including energy shortages, poor urban planning and the normalisation of coping mechanisms such as drilling boreholes in cities due to unreliable water supply.
“Our people deserve better. We need leadership that prioritises development, protects its citizens and restores dignity to the nation,” Chard added.
She urged Zimbabwean authorities to engage proactively with host governments, particularly in South Africa, to ensure the safety and welfare of their nationals.
“The embassy must be visible, responsive and committed to protecting Zimbabweans who are legally living and working abroad,” she said.
Experts caution that governments that prioritise short-term gain through corruption and mismanagement risk long-term instability.
Without decisive reforms, including strengthening institutions, promoting merit-based leadership and tackling corruption, sustainable development remains elusive.
For Zimbabwe, the path forward will depend on restoring accountability, rebuilding public trust and ensuring that governance serves the interests of all citizens—both within its borders and beyond.
– CAJ News