The recent abrupt termination of Professor Gift Mugano’s board membership at ZimTrade by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Frederick Shava, has once again underscored the government’s authoritarian tendencies and its reluctance to accommodate a plurality of opinions in governance and policy formulation. The expulsion of Professor Mugano, a vocal advocate for economic reform, casts a long, dark shadow over the democratic ethos that ought to underpin governance in Zimbabwe.

Professor Mugano’s tenure at ZimTrade, an entity dedicated to propelling Zimbabwe’s numerous exports onto the global stage, was cut short despite his wealth of knowledge and expertise. As a professor of economics and the Director of the Centre for African Governance & Development at Durban University of Technology in South Africa, his insights were invaluable. His vast experience, having served in various governmental positions, was a catalyst for forward-thinking policies aimed at fostering economic growth and stability. However, his journey within the governmental machinery was marred by a culture of disregard for expert advice, which he cites as the core reason for his resignation.

His departure lays bare the truth about the existing disconnect between the government and the technocrats it occasionally employs. The latter are often sidelined, their policy advice falling on deaf ears while the authorities continue to embrace policies that have proven detrimental to the economic fabric of the nation. This culture of policy myopia not only undermines the economy but exacerbates the living conditions of the citizenry.

Disheartened, Professor Mugano decided to change tack, publicly expressing his support for the main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa of the CCC. This political realignment was met with hostility, as demonstrated by Minister Shava’s reactionary move to oust him from the ZimTrade board. This incident not only reflects the intolerance for dissenting voices but also highlights the precarious path Zimbabwe is treading, one where opposition and criticism are stifled, and conformity is rewarded.

The Mugano episode is a microcosm of the larger malaise affecting governance in Zimbabwe. It tells a tale of a nation at crossroads, caught between the need for progressive, inclusive policy-making and the shackles of an authoritarian regime reluctant to cede control or accommodate divergent views. The vibrancy and dynamism inherent in a democracy are being eroded, replaced by a culture of fear and silence.

As Zimbabwe navigates through the murky waters of economic and political challenges, the need for a diverse, inclusive, and tolerant policy-making process cannot be overstated. The silencing of informed voices like Professor Mugano’s is a step back in the quest for a more open, accountable, and progressive governance structure.

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, it’s imperative that Zimbabwe embraces a more democratic governance model, one that values the input of its citizens and experts alike. This would not only foster economic growth but also rebuild the trust between the government and the governed, paving the way for a more prosperous and inclusive Zimbabwe.

The story of Professor Mugano is a clarion call for a shift from authoritarianism to a more open, tolerant, and inclusive form of governance, lest Zimbabwe continues on a downward spiral, with the hopes and dreams of its citizens stifled under the weight of repression and economic hardship.