Monday, May 13, 2013

All African States Must Follow Zimbabwe's Example

All African states must follow Zim’s example

Monday, 13 May 2013 00:00

Zimbabwe is at the moment an oasis of indigenisation in Africa and there is no doubt that it has become inevitable for all African countries to follow Zimbabwe’s footsteps on total independence.

It might not be today, tomorrow or next year but the seed sown by President Mugabe will germinate, grow and bear sumptuous fruits that so many other countries will be forced by future generations of their population to do exactly the same.

Land reform and indigenisation is now inevitable in all African countries after Zimbabwe’s example.

The model might differ, the timing might differ but it has to be done and it will be done.
Zimbabwe will be the point of reference.

In countries like Zimbabwe, China has done a lot to counter the effects of illegal sanctions imposed on President Mugabe’s government, after the veteran nationalist decided to correct the contentious colonial problem of land ownership.

While the British and their allies in the European union and the United States of America sought to topple President Mugabe the sanctions induced regime change, aided by the formation of a well-funded opposition political party, the MDC, China sought to do business with the Zimbabwean Government.

While the US and EU sought military intervention, China and Russia blocked it at the United Nations Security Council.

China has sought to benefit from the existing natural resources to aid its growing economic base and has, at all costs, avoided going for war with anyone in the developing world.

The Zimbabwean scenario was to be repeated in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Cote d’Ivoire with success. Unlike in Zimbabwe where regime change has failed, thanks to President Mugabe’s wit, calculative political manoeuvres and principled stance, in the other mentioned countries, Europe and the US won the regime change battle.

In Zimbabwe, the US and its allies in EU are being forced to swallow their pride and have already shown movement towards normalising relations with President Mugabe.

The forthcoming elections in Zimbabwe, which President Mugabe will certainly win, will seal the deal between the veteran nationalist and US and its allies.

While China has done a lot, there is need to also check on its so that it does not, in the long run, do the wrong things and become a friend turned villain.

China is fast emerging as the world’s biggest economy, through a business model that is totally different from the combative and confrontational approach of the US and its allies in Europe.

The employment of Africa’s potential has always considered to be a part of Chinas strategy aimed at transforming itself into a major global power.

By acquiring unlimited access to Africa’s natural resources Beijing strengthens its military and economic potential.

While financing various infrastructural projects in Africa China at the same time makes sure that all contracts are assigned only to Chinese companies.

While the Chinese solve their strategic international problems by exploiting Africa the Africans themselves might be left to play a role of powerless observers in their own homeland.

Zimbabwe is very clever in this regard. Just recently, President Mugabe’s Government instructed Chinese applying to mine diamonds in Bikita to follow the indigenisation rule of partnering the surrounding community in the form of a community share ownership structure.

The rest of Africa must learn from the Zimbabwean scenario where foreigners must cede 51 percent shares to indigenous people, otherwise the Chinese will wipe out everything and leave Africans still poor.

At the end, whether it is China or Europe, Africa’s natural resources would be gone for a song.

The Chinese must create jobs for Africans, the Chinese must promote African projects and the Chinese must, understand that while they have been fair players in most cases, they can do more and better for the development of Africa.

In that way, the Chinese will have proved too good for the American and European exploiters of African wealth.

A large number of Chinese nationals have moved to Africa and acquired work there.
Due to that fact China aided its dilemma of overpopulation and eased social tensions within the country.

Nowadays Africa is made use of by China in the same manner as the North American colonies were in the 17-19 centuries by the British Empire.

By providing multi-million dollar loans to African countries Beijing exchanges the practically unsupported dollar and doubtful American securities for true-life and profitable assets (mineral resources, the mines themselves and joint ventures).

The entire African region is involuntarily drawn into Chinas political orbit. In fact, Beijing is currently using Africa only as a sustainable source of raw materials and by doing so actually strengthens its own security, expands its living space and evolves from a regional power in the Asia – pacific region to a global one.

The ongoing competition between the US and China for dominance in Africa and for its natural resources destructively affects the internal stability and security of the continent.

Under these conditions all African states should focus on expanding relations with countries that historically proved their commitment to the true liberation of Africa and to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Africa still has vast untapped natural resources and Africa is the future of world economic growth,. Zimbabwe is at the moment an oasis of indigenisation but there is no doubt that it has become inevitable for all African countries to follow Zimbabwe’s footsteps, today, tomorrow or next year. Only time will tell.

Dr Muneri Muguyo writes for DayAfrica.com. This article is reproduced from DayAfrica.com

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