by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – CITIZENS Watch Zimbabwe (CWZ) President, Patience Chard, has intensified calls for Zimbabweans from all walks of life to unite and pressure the government to reform what she described as a “broken and abnormal political system” dominated by the ruling ZANU-PF elite.
Chard argued the current political arrangement had turned democracy upside down, where ordinary citizens are forced to answer to political elites instead of elected leaders serving the people.
She said this had resulted in decades of economic collapse, corruption, looting of national resources and mass migration of Zimbabweans into neighbouring countries such as South Africa.
According to CWZ, millions of Zimbabweans fled because of unemployment, poor governance, corruption, abuse of power and lack of opportunities despite Zimbabwe possessing vast mineral wealth including platinum, gold, lithium, diamonds, chromite, coal, nickel, copper and iron ore.
“The country should be among the richest in Southern Africa, but citizens remain trapped in poverty while a few politically connected elites live lavish lifestyles with impunity,” Chard said.
The pressure group expressed concern over the worsening hostility faced by Zimbabweans in South Africa, where they are often accused of taking jobs, businesses and even local women.
CWZ said many Zimbabweans in the diaspora endured humiliation, xenophobic violence, assaults and looting of businesses while the government in Harare remained indifferent to their suffering.
The organisation further accused authorities of frustrating citizens abroad by targeting properties and investments acquired through years of hard work outside the country, making prospects of returning home increasingly difficult.
Political analysts warned that failure to address citizens’ concerns could fuel unrest and deepen public anger.
CWZ believes continued neglect of infrastructure such as roads, railways, bridges, hospitals and clean water systems reflects leadership disconnected from the people’s needs.
The group also warned that unchecked corruption, selective application of the law and widening inequality between the ruling elite and struggling masses risk pushing frustrated citizens towards confrontation.
“People cannot continue watching a small elite enjoying stolen wealth while communities sink deeper into poverty and hopelessness,” Chard said.
CWZ urged Zimbabweans to peacefully mobilise, defend constitutional rights and demand accountable leadership capable of restoring dignity, economic stability and meaningful national development.
– CAJ News