Rebuilding Foundations Caring for People
Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe seized Mike Campbell’s highly productive family farm. When Mike and his son-in-law, Ben Freeth, took the Zimbabwe government to court at the regional court of justice, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tribunal, Mugabe's thugs burned down their houses, kidnapped them, and fractured Ben’s skull during their night-time torture session at a militia camp . Ben joins Vivek Ramaswamy on the Truth Podcast in the United States to discuss the rise of tyranny, the importance of property rights, and the dangers of victimhood politics. He also discusses Lessons for America.
Zimbabwe Government’s newly issued “title deeds” unbankable and worthless
SADC Tribunal Rights Watch is concerned about the Zimbabwe government’s current plans, overseen by the highly controversial and US sanctioned businessman, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, to issue “title deeds” for farms that already have legally issued title deeds owned by former white commercial farmers, small holders, members of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra) whose properties were seized, and others. These title deed owners have not been compensated for their land, despite having final and binding court judgments which confirm that such original title deeds are still bona fide.
Lake Kariba water level rise, but still lower than 2024
The water level at Lake Kariba is gradually rising with the ongoing rainy season, though it remains significantly lower compared to the same time last year (2024). Lake Kariba is of major economic importance to both Zimbabwe and Zambia, as the power stations located on either bank of the Zambezi River have the capacity to generate over 1,000 MW of electricity. However, declining water levels have led to a drastic reduction in water allocation for power generation, causing severe power shortages in both countries. Construction of Kariba, the largest man-made lake by volume, was from 1955-1959.
This is the situation regarding compensation for Zim farmers by Dr Theo de Jager
In this brief overview of the farm invasions, the ensuing fallout and the ongoing compensation saga, Dr Theo de Jager, executive director of the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI), lists three goals for SAAI’s Zimbabwean members: equal citizenship for white farmers regarding land ownership, restitution (restoration of their farms) or compensation for those who no longer wish to farm. One of SAAI's biggest campaigns for 2025 is focused on reviving the regional court of justice, the SADC Tribunal. Dr de Jager notes that legal action will likely be the most important lever to enforce this.
Zimbabwe’s ZiG set for more volatility, says business body after 43% plunge in September
Companies should brace for further exchange-rate volatility this year following a shock 43% devaluation of the nation’s currency in September, a local commerce group said. The move hit consumers’ disposable incomes, fanned inflation and crimped businesses’ profits. For OK Zimbabwe Ltd it “necessitated a re-evaluation” of working capital and risk-management strategies, the nation’s largest retailer told an analyst briefing in late December. “To plan using the local currency is to plan to fail,” warned the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Executive Officer Christopher Mugaga.
2024 was tough, cruel: teachers
Teachers in rural areas said 2024 was a tough year due to challenges that included meagre salaries and shrinking democratic space. Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union (Artuz) secretary-general Robson Chere bemoaned the harsh economic conditions which have condemned educators and forthcoming retirees to abject poverty. “This is the year that saw the unjustified continued decrease of real disposable income of teachers, civil servants and the majority of citizens due to low nominal salaries, inflation and an anti-poor tax regime.” Note: Chere was brutally tortured by the regime in August 2024.
El Niño drought and weak December rainfall delays crop planting in Zimbabwe – 27 December 2024
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) said insufficient soil moisture, caused by the 2024 El Nino drought and weak December rainfall, delayed crop planting. The FAO also noted that while the total rainfall for November, the normal start of the planting season, was near normal across most of the country, it was unevenly distributed. However, rainfall patterns are likely to return to normal. Planting of the summer 2025 cereal crops is underway and is expected to conclude in January, the FAO said.
Mining sector’s vulnerable groups exposed to physical, emotional and sexual abuse need protection: NGO
Vulnerable groups such as women, girls and those with disabilities are being abused in so many ways in the Zimbabwean mining communities where they live and or work, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) has warned. “Women face a lot of physical, emotional and sexual abuse … For example, in Mutoko, where granite is being mined, women have spoken about sexual abuse as one of the most disturbing issues affecting them.” Another major challenge has been limited access to finance and the health and safety risks. The equipment they use is not safe.
Zimbabwe to work with the IAEA and Russian investors to develop nuclear energy
Zimbabwe is working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Russian investors to establish nuclear energy as part of its efforts to end chronic power shortages. However, establishing nuclear power is expensive and complex, said Joseph Siegle, the director of research at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington. “Most economists would argue that those deals cost far more than are warranted for the benefits that they would provide to their economies and to their societies,” Siegle said. The process is also ripe for corruption, he warned, so transparency is critical.
Power outages wreak economic havoc
Zimbabwe’s power outages are set to persist into the new year, causing massive disruptions to individuals, families and companies – economic and financial losses running into multi-millions – as shown by water supply failures that have affected Bulawayo. Power cuts last up to 20 hours a day. The country’s peak demand for electricity is 1 850MW, but its current capacity is well below 1 200MW. This has resulted in widespread load-shedding which has also badly affected critical services like hospitals and water utilities. There have been power cuts even at State House and the President’s Office.
