Public services are fundamental pillars of any society, designed to meet the basic needs of citizens and ensure the functioning of the nation. In Zimbabwe, the five primary branches of public service include national defence, law enforcement, public education, health care, social welfare and infrastructure development. However, despite their crucial role, these sectors have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption and politicisation, leading to widespread discontent and suffering among the population.
The national defence sector in Zimbabwe, primarily managed by the Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF), including the army, air force and the Presidential Guard, is tasked with safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, the military has been accused of overstepping its mandate, often being used as a tool for political repression. For instance, during the 2018 post-election violence, the army was deployed to suppress protests, resulting in civilian casualties . Such actions undermine public trust and divert resources from essential defence functions.
Law enforcement is another critical branch, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) responsible for maintaining law and order. However, corruption and political interference have severely compromised the ZRP's effectiveness. Reports indicate that police officers often engage in bribery, with traffic officers being particularly notorious for demanding bribes from motorists. Moreover, the police have been used to intimidate and harass political opponents, eroding public confidence in the justice system and failing to protect citizens adequately.
Zimbabwe's public education system, once lauded as one of the best in Africa, has deteriorated significantly. Schools lack basic resources, teachers are underpaid and the quality of education has declined. According to UNESCO, Zimbabwe's literacy rate was 88% in 2021, a decline from the high 90s in the 1990s . Strikes by teachers over poor remuneration and working conditions have disrupted the education system, impacting students' learning outcomes and future prospects.
The health care sector in Zimbabwe is in a dire state, characterised by a lack of essential medicines, inadequate infrastructure and poorly paid health workers. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that Zimbabwe's health expenditure per capita is among the lowest in the region . The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed these weaknesses, with hospitals overwhelmed and health care workers striking for better conditions. This has resulted in high mortality rates and preventable deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Social welfare programs in Zimbabwe are meant to support the most vulnerable citizens, including the elderly, disabled and orphans. However, these programs are underfunded and poorly managed. The Department of Social Services struggles to provide adequate support, with many beneficiaries receiving irregular or no assistance at all. The politicisation of aid, where assistance is distributed based on political allegiance, further exacerbates the problem, leaving many in dire need.
Infrastructure development is crucial for economic growth and improving living standards. However, Zimbabwe's infrastructure is crumbling, with roads, bridges and public utilities in a state of disrepair. The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has been criticised for mismanagement and corruption, leading to poorly maintained road networks. Power outages and water shortages are common, impacting businesses and daily life.
The common thread across all these sectors is the pervasive influence of politics and corruption. Public services, which are supposed to be impartial and serve all citizens equally, have been hijacked for political gain. Resources are often allocated based on political loyalty rather than need and corruption syphons off funds that should be used to improve services. The root causes of these issues include poor governance, lack of accountability and insufficient funding. The effects are far-reaching, affecting every aspect of life in Zimbabwe. Citizens suffer from inadequate health care, poor education, lack of social support and crumbling infrastructure. This not only impacts their quality of life but also hampers economic growth and development.
The United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) is committed to addressing these challenges through comprehensive reforms. Our plan includes:
Strengthening Accountability: Implementing robust anti-corruption measures, enhancing transparency in public procurement and holding officials accountable.
Depoliticising Public Services: Ensuring that public services are impartial and serve all citizens equally, regardless of political affiliation.
Improving Funding and Resource Allocation: Securing adequate funding for public services and ensuring resources are allocated based on need.
Capacity Building: Investing in training and development for public service workers to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Community Engagement: Encouraging community involvement in monitoring and evaluating public services to ensure they meet the needs of citizens.
Public services are the backbone of any nation and their effective functioning is crucial for the well-being of citizens. In Zimbabwe, these services have been undermined by corruption, politicisation and poor governance, leading to widespread suffering. UZA is dedicated to reforming public services, ensuring they fulfil their intended role and contribute to the development and prosperity of Zimbabwe.
