Zimbabwe ranks among the world’s poorest nations, and while many blame flawed political ideologies or leadership, the roots of its struggles run deeper. Poverty is not merely an economic condition—it is a mindset. True transformation begins with individual responsibility, collective action, and a shift in perspective. No human being should ever underrate him/herself, when it comes to the endeavor to change the environment.
The Fallacy of Blame and the Power of Responsibility
It is easy to attribute Zimbabwe’s decline solely to its leaders, but this ignores the role of every citizen. Human worth is not determined by skin color, political affiliation, or social status; it is defined by our capacity to solve problems rather than perpetuate them. The most formidable question should always be: “What is my role in the environment in which I live?
Some seek escape through emigration, yet the Diaspora alone cannot remedy systemic poverty in their own countries. Lasting change requires introspection at every level of society. The principle of cause and effect reminds us that our collective choices—whether in complacency, corruption, or consumption—shape the nation’s trajectory.
Rather than burdening the elderly with accusations, we should focus on solutions grounded in wisdom, such as Jesus’s teachings, which exemplified true wealth: not in material possessions but in lasting legacy and service to others.
The Three Economic Mindsets: Which One Dominates Zimbabwe?
The individual contribution in any nation either adds to or subtracts from the net effect of what sustains the status quo. This is just as global economic behavior can be categorized into three patterns, each with profound implications for individuals and nations:
- The Spenders: Trapped in the Illusion of Prosperity
- These individuals equate wealth with consumption, chasing status symbols—luxury cars, affluent neighborhoods—while remaining perpetually dissatisfied.
- Zimbabwe’s post-independence era saw a surge in such behavior, mistaking short-term excess for long-term prosperity. The government overspent, citizens over-consumed, and the resulting economic collapse was blamed on external forces rather than unsustainable habits.
- Result: A cycle of dependency and poverty, fueled by the belief that wealth is about display of affluence, rather than its creation.
- The Savers: Prudent but Paralyzed
- In corrupt economies, savers are particularly vulnerable, as their cautious approach often fails to yield significant growth. In the early 2000s, many such individuals were caught up among those who succumbed prematurely due to the widespread hyperinflation of the time. These individuals exhibit discipline in monetary savings, yet their frugality is frequently driven by fear rather than strategic planning. While they save diligently, they rarely invest, fearing potential losses. This behavior may trap them in a middle-income bracket, ultimately causing them to lose everything in a corrupt system. Their aversion to debt further limits their opportunities to improve their own circumstances or assist others.
- Result: A life of hard work with little lasting impact, leaving no legacy beyond nominal survival.
- The Investors: Architects of True Wealth
- Genuine wealth is built by those who invest in others—through ideas, resources, or leadership. From Shakespeare to Mandela, from da Vinci to Musk, history’s most revered figures created value that outlived them.
- Jesus serves as the ultimate example: possessing nothing, yet enriching billions. Genuine investors evaluate success not by their personal gain or status but by the joy and progress they contribute to others. The most challenging yet profoundly rewarding principle to sell is the recognition that humans are more valuable than a nation’s mineral resources. It is anticipated that the majority of our youth hold the belief that the value of their souls surpasses that of money or gold.
- Result: A legacy that transcends material wealth, transforming societies and inspiring generations.
In its current state of poverty, Zimbabwe is weighed down by the extravagant lifestyles of the so-called “Mbingas.” Many individuals, often due to ignorance, admire the ostentatious displays of wealth by these figures, unaware that such ill-acquired riches remain a burden even beyond their lifetimes. Genuine wealth lies in fostering the well-being of others, whether through immediate efforts or sustained, long-term initiatives.
The Path Forward: From Poverty to Legacy
Zimbabwe’s renewal hinges on a collective shift from simply spending and saving to actively investing—not only financial resources but also time, knowledge, and compassion. Jesus illustrated this principle in the parable of the shrewd manager. Although dubious, that manager ensured future support during his period of unemployment (Luke 16:1-13). In that parable, Jesus emphasises the significance of investing in the well-being of others. Otherwise, poverty, as observed across the Zimbabwean nation, mirrors individual mindsets, and its remedy remains as follows:
- Responsibility: Each individual should recognize their role in the nation’s state and consistently reflect on their contributions to the environment. This entails not only fulfilling one’s responsibilities but also ensuring that others uphold theirs. A responsible individual ensures that duties are carried out and holds accountable those who neglect their obligations. For example, failing to report a criminal to law enforcement constitutes complicity in criminality.
- Innovation: Address problems directly rather than dwelling on them. Resolving issues is impossible when one chooses to escape from them. The condition of the so-called developed nations, often sought after for comfort, is upheld by this principle. While these nations benefit from exploiting those who shirk responsibilities in their own countries, they should also be acknowledged for their contributions to the welfare of others. We possess a wealth of untapped talents, although many young individuals remain unaware of their true potential.
- Service: The most impactful individuals in life are those who define wealth by the number of lives they have positively influenced rather than by exploiting others to amass riches. A person’s legacy in this world holds far greater significance than the mere display of extravagance. Service includes handling issues affecting elderly people in the community and helping young people to discover their talents.
The question ought not to be: “Was I happy in all my life?” but “Did my existence bring joy to others?” Only then can Zimbabwe overcome its challenges and reclaim its potential among other nations. The notion of lamenting and claiming incapacity arises from those unworthy of existence in this world. Similarly, those driven by an insatiable desire to spend on trivial objects without investing in others remain undeserving of having lived on this planet. The concept of wealth accumulation without evaluating one’s contribution to others is fundamentally flawed.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, which lays down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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