Governance Challenges Facing Zimbabwe - Case Study Example

Heading: Governance, a case study of Zimbabwe Customer Inserts His/her Name Customer Inserts Grade Course Customer Inserts Tutor’s Name 15, 10, 2013 Introduction Governance can be defined as the act or process of governing a state. Governance includes: measures, policies and frameworks necessary in governing a state. Good governance ensures accountability, transparency, and farsightedness. Poor governance lacks proper frameworks, reluctant to curb corrupt activities and is unreliable. Governance has been emphasized in the modern world because of the need to ensure global competitiveness through well defined and managed internal structures of a state. Countries with good governance are able to achieve their goals and develop their economies in a faster rate as compared to other nations with poor governance. The country selected for analysis in this case is Zimbabwe. The rationale for this selection is because Zimbabwe has suffered from poor governance for the past three decades after getting independence. The main issues affecting Zimbabwe includes increased rates of corruption which has escalated currency inflation. Poor policies and framework necessary to stimulate economic activities and increased rate of inflation has seen a near collapse of the country’s currency. The rate of illiteracy, basic reading and writing has recorded all time high in Zimbabwe and is among the most illiterate countries in the world. All these challenges are discussed in-depth in this analysis and recommendations on ways of ensuring good governance recommended. Governance challenges facing Zimbabwe The level of human development according to United Nation’s rating has categorized Zimbabwe as one of the low ranked countries as on March 2013 report. Zimbabwe is a small landlocked country which got her independence in April 1980 with Robert Mugabe as its Prime minister. Since getting independence the only time Zimbabwe has recorded an economic growth was 2009, this justifies the reason for her low ranking. The Transparency International Corruption Report of 2012 ranked Zimbabwe 163 out of the 176 countries sampled. According to the report the police were the most corrupt followed by those holding government positions. Corruption in Zimbabwe has led to decreased accountability, reliability and hence short-sighted governance. Corruption in the country has opened gaps for other issues including violation of basic human rights, flawed elections as witnessed in 2008 and increased tension between the government and its people. The recent unrest in the country due to flawed elections goes back to increased corruption among those entrusted with upholding the law (the police) and government officials entrusted with government offices (Aart & Kaufmann 2010, p. 25). Governance therefore has a great challenge because those who supposed to bring positive change and growth in the country take part in corrupt activities thus slowing the growth of the country According to Dansereau & Zamponi (2005, 12) Zimbabwe lacks a proper framework where policies could be made to enhance the economy. This thus becomes a challenge for its governance in that those designated to implement the projects that would enhance growth have nothing to guide them in doing so. Many a times, poor budgeting systems have led to inadequate funding (World Bank 2012). This is a challenge to the government as they are at loggerheads with the citizens. It’s a common thing for inflation to occur in Zimbabwe. This is frustrating to both the government and the citizens (Ewane 2008, p.45). This all results from disconnect between policy making, planning and implementation. Poor policies for economic planning also results in poverty and poor infrastructure. This is mainly because the government framework is normally meant to improve on the economy, a factor that alleviates all negatives brought about by lack of economic progress (Brinkerhoff & Bossert2008, p.34). Governance is undeniably the most important consideration in our time, without accountability, reliability and farsighted governance, it is impossible to address global challenges and the ever increasing demands of the population adequately. Poor leadership also thwarts social welfare and the state’s economy; this is what has happened in Zimbabwe. The other governance challenge faced in Zimbabwe is that a large part of its population is illiterate (Transparency International 2012). About 90.7 % of the population is illiterate; this is the highest rate in Africa. Zimbabwe’s educational system was once the best in Africa until mid 1990s when public funding declined coupled with hyperinflation as well as political unrest that saw educational system compromised over the years (Funke & Clausen 2007, p.23). UNICEF (2013) asserted that about 94 % of rural schools were closed in 2009 and other schools abandoned. The rate of attendance also declined from 80% to 20%. It is only in urban areas where learning resumed because most parents could afford school fees paid in dollars, this also meant that the gap between rural and urban schools increased and this was further escalated by majority of the teaching staff fleeing the country to the neighboring countries due to political unrest in the country (Tandon 2004, p.28). It is thus very hard for individuals and the state to compete in the new global knowledge economy (Oscar 2008, p.13). The World Bank stopped giving loans to Zimbabwe because of huge debts that has piled up over the years (International Monetary Fund 2002, p.67). Increasing illiteracy in Zimbabwe is clearly as a result of poor governance which is the genesis of political unrest and corruption that escalates to all areas of the economy including education (Kamete 2002, p.22). How Zimbabwe can ensure stronger democratic governance to enable development The first issue that Zimbabwe should deal with is the issue of corruption, in order to curb corruption; Zimbabwe should restructure its public service and the police unit. This is an important step in dealing with the core source of corruption. Importantly, the country’s leadership should also improve its reliability and accountability towards its citizens. Corruption can be clearly dealt with by commencing from the country’s leadership. This will start by reinforcing the country’s electoral system in order to ensure respect of the majority’s will in the country (IMF 2011, p.43). Laws can be passed too which allows for dismissal of service of any civil servant should they be found engaging in corruption. Dealing with corruption is a gradual process, therefore it requires a lot of willingness in order to cub it. Good governance is the backbone of dealing with corruptions and other resulting issues. Secondly, Zimbabwe should ensure proper framework where policies could be made to enhance the economy. Proper framework is a blue print for stimulating economic activities; it also allows funding and other considerations necessary to enhance the country’s progress. Budgeting of economic activities is based on policies and reliable framework. The process of policy making, planning and implementation can only be made possible through funding of these key activities. In order for Zimbabwe to cub this challenge, those in charge with policy making should consult with the public in order to have plans which reflect on the interest of the whole society(Paquette 2002, p.78). According to Funke & Clausen (2007, p.14), there is an urgent need for comprehensive and credible policy package in order to stabilize the economy without delay. Such a package should integrate mutual reinforcing actions centered on fiscal tightening, as well as exchange regime liberalization. The main elements include: inclusion of all quasi-fiscal activities to the government budget, reorientation of fiscal policies to include QFA, unification of exchange rate as well as complete independence of exchange regime for current international transfers and payments (Funke & Clausen 2007, p.14). It is also imperative to ensure strong monetary anchor and independence of price control. Enhancing good governance in the country means that factors leading to improved economic activities will be ensured. Thirdly, education is important in increasing the country’s global competitiveness. According to World Bank (2012, p.23), the government has to put in place policies that would ensure quality education is being administered in schools by doing the following: Enhancement of competence and quality of teachers through training services and provision of facilities. Improvement of educational system leadership and management capacities in order to ensure sound management and custodianship of the country’s educational landscape Sustainable improvement of educational structures, content as well as the educational methodology. Ensuring that all schools in the country have an access to functional library facilities. Improving educational quality through a constant review of the existing curricula and teaching content by ensuring a constant assessment of all learning facilities (Commonwealth Foundation 2010, p.24). According to Funke & Clausen (2007, p.14), in order for Zimbabwe to achieve a sustainable growth, it will require stabilization and good governance as well as sound structural reforms over the short term. Governance improvement should include policy environment which is more predictable and enhancement of property rights, a factor that is imperative in restoring confidence in investors. Conclusion Governance challenges are recurring and can never be actually resolved. However it can be reduced and control if proper measures are taken. Zimbabwe is yet to put in place any check and balances on its administration. The state of the country’s growth is still being determined by the minority. Corruption has been rampant because of poor leadership in the country; those in government are leading in corrupt activities. The country also lacks proper policies and framework necessary for stimulating economic activities. The rate of illiteracy is all time high in the country. These are the main governance challenges facing Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has to ensure that it anticipates for any challenges in future and make plans for curbing those challenges. It can do this by ensuring that the elections are free and fair, accountability and transparency improved and clear framework and policies put in place. The rights of its people should as well be respected at all times: this can be done through having independent judicial systems-which would ensure that justice prevails in the country. In a nutshell, all is not lost in Zimbabwe governance: with the right measures adopted, it can improve its development since it has many natural resources yet to be exploited for robust economic enhancement. References Aart, K & Kaufmann, D 2010, Governance Indicators: Where Are We, Where Should We Be Going? Policy Research Working Paper No. 2928. Accessed from http://info.worldbank.org/governance/wgi/pdf/wps4370.pdf Brinkerhoff, D & Bossert T 2008, Governance: Concepts, Experience and Program Options Bethesda : Health Systems 20/20 Project, February 2008. P.34 Commonwealth Foundation 2010, Democratic governance in Zimbabwe: citizen power, Civil Society in the New Millennium Project, New York. P.24. Dansereau, S & Zamponi, M 2005, Zimbabwe: The Political Economy of Decline, Nordic Africa Institute, London. Pp. 12-19. Ewane, FE 2008, Aid and conditionality: Enhancing good governance in sub-Saharan Africa, GRIN Verlag, Sydney.pp.45-54. Funke, N & Clausen, JR 2007, Lessons from High Inflation Epidsodes for Stabilizing the Economy in Zimbabwe, International Monetary Fund, Sydney. Pp. 12-32. International Monetary Fund 2002, Zimbabwe: 2001 Article Iv Consultation--Staff Report; Staff Statement; Public Information Notice on the Executive Board Discussion; Statement by the Executive Director for Zimbabwe and Statement by the Authorities of Zimbabwe, International Monetary Fund, New York. Pp67-76. International Monetary Fund 2011, Zimbabwe: 2011 Article IV Consultation-Staff Report; Staff Supplement; Public Information Notice on the Executive Board Discussion; and Statement by the Executive Director for Zimbabwe (EPub), International Monetary Fund, New York. P. 43-54. Kamete, AY 2002, Governing the Poor in Harare, Zimbabwe: Shifting Perceptions and Changing Responses, Nordic Africa Institute, New York.p.22-29. Oscar, AM 2008, Voice of America and the Zimbabwe Crisis, ProQuest, New York.pp.13. Paquette, L 2002, Analyzing National and International Policy, Rowman Littlefield, New York. Pp.78-87 Tandon, R 2004, Citizens and Governance Toolkit: Creating Change by Making People's Voices Heard, Commonwealth Secretariat, London. Pp.28-34. The World Bank 2012, Governance & Anti-Corruption, Acccessed from www.worldbank.org/wbi/governance. Transparency International 2012, Corruption Perceptions Index. Available from:http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi UNICEF 2013, Keep children out of harm’s way, UNICEF Executive Director urges Zimbabweans, Accessed from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/media_68119.html. Read More

The recent unrest in the country due to flawed elections goes back to increased corruption among those entrusted with upholding the law (the police) and government officials entrusted with government offices (Aart & Kaufmann 2010, p. 25). Governance therefore has a great challenge because those who supposed to bring positive change and growth in the country take part in corrupt activities thus slowing the growth of the country According to Dansereau & Zamponi (2005, 12) Zimbabwe lacks a proper framework where policies could be made to enhance the economy.

This thus becomes a challenge for its governance in that those designated to implement the projects that would enhance growth have nothing to guide them in doing so. Many a times, poor budgeting systems have led to inadequate funding (World Bank 2012). This is a challenge to the government as they are at loggerheads with the citizens. It’s a common thing for inflation to occur in Zimbabwe. This is frustrating to both the government and the citizens (Ewane 2008, p.45). This all results from disconnect between policy making, planning and implementation.

Poor policies for economic planning also results in poverty and poor infrastructure. This is mainly because the government framework is normally meant to improve on the economy, a factor that alleviates all negatives brought about by lack of economic progress (Brinkerhoff & Bossert2008, p.34). Governance is undeniably the most important consideration in our time, without accountability, reliability and farsighted governance, it is impossible to address global challenges and the ever increasing demands of the population adequately.

Poor leadership also thwarts social welfare and the state’s economy; this is what has happened in Zimbabwe. The other governance challenge faced in Zimbabwe is that a large part of its population is illiterate (Transparency International 2012). About 90.7 % of the population is illiterate; this is the highest rate in Africa. Zimbabwe’s educational system was once the best in Africa until mid 1990s when public funding declined coupled with hyperinflation as well as political unrest that saw educational system compromised over the years (Funke & Clausen 2007, p.23). UNICEF (2013) asserted that about 94 % of rural schools were closed in 2009 and other schools abandoned.

The rate of attendance also declined from 80% to 20%. It is only in urban areas where learning resumed because most parents could afford school fees paid in dollars, this also meant that the gap between rural and urban schools increased and this was further escalated by majority of the teaching staff fleeing the country to the neighboring countries due to political unrest in the country (Tandon 2004, p.28). It is thus very hard for individuals and the state to compete in the new global knowledge economy (Oscar 2008, p.13). The World Bank stopped giving loans to Zimbabwe because of huge debts that has piled up over the years (International Monetary Fund 2002, p.67). Increasing illiteracy in Zimbabwe is clearly as a result of poor governance which is the genesis of political unrest and corruption that escalates to all areas of the economy including education (Kamete 2002, p.22). How Zimbabwe can ensure stronger democratic governance to enable development The first issue that Zimbabwe should deal with is the issue of corruption, in order to curb corruption; Zimbabwe should restructure its public service and the police unit.

This is an important step in dealing with the core source of corruption. Importantly, the country’s leadership should also improve its reliability and accountability towards its citizens. Corruption can be clearly dealt with by commencing from the country’s leadership. This will start by reinforcing the country’s electoral system in order to ensure respect of the majority’s will in the country (IMF 2011, p.43). Laws can be passed too which allows for dismissal of service of any civil servant should they be found engaging in corruption.

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