HARARE HUSTLE: PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA’S GRAND DISPLAY FOR SADC SUMMIT SPARKS CONTROVERSY

In a bid to impress the Southern African Development Community (SADC) during their annual summit in Harare this August, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is undertaking an ambitious beautification and construction project. The initiative involves refurbishing major roads in the capital, constructing upscale villas, and utilizing the newly-renovated Parliament Building in Mount Hampden as well as the Hyatt Regency Harare/The Meikles, formerly known as Meikles Hotel, as primary venues for hosting the visiting dignitaries.

This move comes at a time when President Mnangagwa seeks to bolster his political legitimacy and divert attention from Zimbabwe’s internal issues. It is worth noting that the SADC leaders had previously expressed their disapproval of Mnangagwa’s and his party Zanu PF’s controversial electoral victory in August of last year. The president’s current efforts can thus be seen as a strategic attempt to regain favor and enhance his image on the regional stage.

The phenomenon of leaders prioritizing grandeur and external validation over substantial domestic governance is not new, particularly in some African countries where it is common for rulers to indulge in opulent projects at the expense of basic social services. This approach often prioritizes international prestige and political survival while ignoring the pressing needs of the citizenry.

In Zimbabwe’s case, the elaborate preparations for the SADC summit serve as a showcase of the country’s potential economic progress. However, critics argue that this display masks the underlying economic and social challenges facing the nation. By focusing on infrastructure that impresses international visitors, the government may be neglecting more pressing domestic issues such as healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.

The implications of such an approach are significant. Firstly, there is the risk of misallocation of resources; funds that could be used to improve the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans are instead spent on projects designed to enhance the country’s international image. This can lead to a neglect of essential services, further exacerbating the hardships faced by many in the country.

Moreover, this strategy can erode trust between the government and its citizens. When people see their leaders focusing on projects that seem to serve only the elite and foreign dignitaries, it can deepen public disenchantment and disillusionment. This erosion of trust is detrimental to the overall social and political fabric of the nation.

The pursuit of international recognition and validation, while often seen as a means to secure political legitimacy, can have the paradoxical effect of undermining it if not balanced with effective domestic governance. The apparent prioritization of aesthetics over substance is a gamble that might not necessarily pay off in terms of genuine respect and cooperation from both international partners and local populace.

As Zimbabwe prepares to host the SADC summit, the eyes of the world, as well as its own citizens, will be watching closely. The effectiveness of President Mnangagwa’s strategy will not only be measured by the smooth running of the event but also by his ability to address the concerns and needs of his people in its aftermath. Only time will tell if the investments made in impressing the regional community will translate into real political and economic benefits for Zimbabwe or if they will simply fade into another example of misplaced priorities in the complex arena of international diplomacy and local governance.