In February 1998, Zimbabwe faced an uncertain future as rising economic discontent among the population put increasing pressure on the government as well as the country's small but influential white business community. Both were trying to cope with the challenge, as I noted back then in this report from Harare.If there has been a single accusation aimed at the government of President Robert Mugabe in the past few months, it is that he and his ministers, insulated by their position and wealth, are out of touch with the economic hardships endured by ordinary Zimbabweans.
It is a complaint the Mugabe government has apparently taken to heart and one to which it is now trying to respond. Beginning in mid-February, the President and other leading officials are to begin what Zimbabwe's state-controlled media describe as "countrywide consultative tours" -- to learn firsthand about the peoples' problems and to hear their suggestions about what should be done.
Critics have their doubts, suggesting the tours will be more of a public relations exercise than a meaningful exchange of views.
But Zimbabwe's state television, announcing the visits, says the ruling ZANU PF party -- in its words -- is "concerned about the plight of the ordinary people of Zimbabwe in the wake of repeated price increases by manufacturers and retailers."
The recent announcement of price hikes on basic foodstuffs triggered violent rioting that led to the first deployment of army troops to assist police in restoring order since Zimbabwe's independence in 1980. But disturbances and discontent also have been triggered by the government's own announcement of tax increases.
The influential Zimbabwean Congress of Trade Unions organized a nationwide strike in December to protest higher taxes. It is planning further walkouts unless these are rescinded. All of which has the government nervous.
The ruling party's Secretary of
Administration, Didymus Mutasa, blames Mr. Mugabe's political opponents for the ongoing trouble and urges Zimbabweans to remain calm.
It is a complaint the Mugabe government has apparently taken to heart and one to which it is now trying to respond. Beginning in mid-February, the President and other leading officials are to begin what Zimbabwe's state-controlled media describe as "countrywide consultative tours" -- to learn firsthand about the peoples' problems and to hear their suggestions about what should be done.
Critics have their doubts, suggesting the tours will be more of a public relations exercise than a meaningful exchange of views.
But Zimbabwe's state television, announcing the visits, says the ruling ZANU PF party -- in its words -- is "concerned about the plight of the ordinary people of Zimbabwe in the wake of repeated price increases by manufacturers and retailers."
The recent announcement of price hikes on basic foodstuffs triggered violent rioting that led to the first deployment of army troops to assist police in restoring order since Zimbabwe's independence in 1980. But disturbances and discontent also have been triggered by the government's own announcement of tax increases.
The influential Zimbabwean Congress of Trade Unions organized a nationwide strike in December to protest higher taxes. It is planning further walkouts unless these are rescinded. All of which has the government nervous.
The ruling party's Secretary of
Administration, Didymus Mutasa, blames Mr. Mugabe's political opponents for the ongoing trouble and urges Zimbabweans to remain calm. “The wave of speculation concerning possible future disturbances that is being sustained by some misguided elements that have failed to make their way through the electoral process will be carefully monitored and urgently dealt with. But while supporting the principle of democracy, we urge all Zimbabweans to abide by the law and by the need to maintain peace and stability.”
Aside from the political opposition, another of Mr. Mugabe's favorite scapegoats has been the small but economically significant white community, including some of Zimbabwe's most successful commercial farmers.
This community was thrown into shock last year when the president announced his intention to take over about 15-hundred mainly white-owned farms -- paying only for improvements but not the land, which he charged was originally stolen by white colonists.
The commercial farmers union is now pushing an alternate proposal, which it says will meet Mr. Mugabe's goals of alleviating poverty, revitalizing the land, and getting more blacks into large-scale farming. The plan foresees voluntary land sales as well as foreign donor-assisted land purchases.
The director of the Commercial Farmers Union, David Hasluck, says the farmers want to work with -- not against -- the government.
“This is a proposal of partnership. It's to reject the conflicts we have had in the past over the land, rejecting conflict and adopting a consensus that all Zimbabweans can subscribe to in the interests of the nation.”
The farmers have presented their plan to the government, but have so far had no response. Political observers in Zimbabwe are not optimistic about the plan's prospects. One said cynically: “the problem with this is that it doesn't satisfy the government's need for revenge."
Aside from the political opposition, another of Mr. Mugabe's favorite scapegoats has been the small but economically significant white community, including some of Zimbabwe's most successful commercial farmers.
This community was thrown into shock last year when the president announced his intention to take over about 15-hundred mainly white-owned farms -- paying only for improvements but not the land, which he charged was originally stolen by white colonists.
The commercial farmers union is now pushing an alternate proposal, which it says will meet Mr. Mugabe's goals of alleviating poverty, revitalizing the land, and getting more blacks into large-scale farming. The plan foresees voluntary land sales as well as foreign donor-assisted land purchases.
The director of the Commercial Farmers Union, David Hasluck, says the farmers want to work with -- not against -- the government.
“This is a proposal of partnership. It's to reject the conflicts we have had in the past over the land, rejecting conflict and adopting a consensus that all Zimbabweans can subscribe to in the interests of the nation.”
The farmers have presented their plan to the government, but have so far had no response. Political observers in Zimbabwe are not optimistic about the plan's prospects. One said cynically: “the problem with this is that it doesn't satisfy the government's need for revenge."
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