KEY POINTS
- Zille says Zimbabwe failed to maintain colonial infrastructure.
- She compares Zimbabwe’s decline to Singapore’s post-colonial success.
- Zimbabwe blames sanctions, while Zille highlights poor governance.
South African politician Helen Zille has sparked debate by questioning Zimbabwe’s post-independence trajectory. According to Zille, Zimbabwe’s inability to maintain colonial-era infrastructure and institutions has been a significant factor in the country’s economic decline.
Speaking candidly, Zille compared Zimbabwe’s situation to Singapore’s post-colonial success, pointing out stark differences in how both nations approached their colonial legacies.
Zimbabwe failed to maintain its colonial infrastructure
Since gaining independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has gone from being known as the “breadbasket of Africa” to grappling with widespread economic decline.
Zille attributed much of this regression to the country’s failure to preserve and build upon colonial-era systems such as education, electricity, and healthcare.
“The legacy of colonialism is not entirely negative,” Zille said. “Of course, much of it was bad, but why discard the good? Formal education, electricity, hospitals—these are legacies. Zimbabwe had a strong start but has regressed to barter systems with cattle and goats.”
According to New Zimbabwe, she emphasized that Singapore, another former British colony, successfully leveraged its colonial inheritance to become a global economic powerhouse.
Lessons from Singapore’s post-colonial success
Zille’s comparison between Zimbabwe and Singapore highlights missed opportunities. Both countries gained independence around the same time, but their paths have diverged drastically.
“In Singapore, they didn’t destroy everything inherited from the British. They built on those foundations, creating some of the best institutions in the world,” Zille said.
Singapore’s success, according to Zille, was due to its pragmatic approach to governance. In contrast, Zimbabwe’s land reform policies and governance issues contributed to its current struggles.
Zimbabwe’s government has often blamed U.S. sanctions for its economic woes. However, Zille argues that poor management and failure to adapt are more significant factors.
Neglect of colonial legacy continues to harm Zimbabwe
Zille’s remarks also touched on Zimbabwe’s handling of its colonial legacy, calling for a more balanced view.
“Taking what works from the past is not an endorsement of colonialism,” she explained. “It’s about moving forward and creating a better future.”
The South African politician expressed disappointment in how Zimbabwe, once positioned for prosperity, has fallen behind other nations.
She suggested that leaders in Zimbabwe focus on preserving and improving existing infrastructure rather than allowing political sentiments to hinder progress.
