The Voices and Cries of a Stricken People.
The Voices and Cries of A Stricken People.
Over the past 6 months, the cost of living in Zimbabwe has risen to unimaginable heights. Disparities between the Ruling Elite and Multitudes are more than just visible to the naked eye. As a former History student, the economic situation in Zimbabwe just reminded me of 18th Century France. The multitudes were crying for *Bread* whilst the *Ruling Elite* were living lavishly. Wining and dining, throwing parties were they ate *Cakes*.Someone may wonder why i highlighted the following words;
i Ruling Elite
ii Bread
iii Cake
These above words form the basis of the situation in Zimbabwe.
Lets start with the Ruling Elite.In comparison to 18th Century France, Zimbabwe has the Elite individuals who play a leading role in the Economics of the Nation.They are stakeholders in major companies and some of them too have a political background.In a nation where millions earn way below the Poverty Datum Line, there are a lot of millionaires within the Elite class.
Then for my point on bread, i want to shed light on the lives of the multitudes.The working class.The pillar of the nation. Imagine a teacher, one respected professional all over the world being reduced to nothing in Zimbabwe.A teacher earns less than 1000zwl, when converted to United States dollar is just a mere $100.
Ordinary citizens are finding it hard to buy basic commodities as prices hikes are now a common feature.A 2kg bag of sugar that cost $2 in 2018 now costs $20.That on its own shows just how bad things have turned in the Southern African State.Taxes are burdened onto the working class.For every transaction that one does, 2% of the amount is taxed by government.This was the same issue in 18th Century France.Taxes were levelled on the working class and couldn't even afford to buy bread.Bread in France has a big significance in their breakfast meals.
History tells us that when the people of France were suffering, the Elite were eating cake.They were having a jolly good time.I for one now believe the saying that History does find a way of repeating itself.Modern day Zimbabwe is one the same headway.The Elite are living lavishly, gaining wealth every minutes whilst the ordinary citizens are suffering.Youths are not employed, companies closing shop and big corporations cutting down on their workforces.
With every brand new light of day, comes a whole new chapter of suffering on the already burdened Zimbabwean.Fuel price hikes that affect every sector.As i wrote through, i thought of a heading to give to this piece. Deep within i felt the pain and suffering that we going through. I could only come up with the following sentence; "The Unheard Cries and Voices of the People". I settled for that above sentence because of the recent events in Zimbabwe. Because of the exorbitant prices of basic goods, the majority decided to conduct demonstrations across the country. Harare was the first to do so. People went to the streets, not motivated by politics but only to voice out their cries for help but they got one response from the government that not even the International community will forget any sooner
People from all walks of life converged on the streets and sat down, not armed with any weapons but armed with the will to be heard. The Police were unleashed on them, beating the daylight out of everyone in their way. There's one case in particular that stands out.In the midst of the protesters was an old statesman. He was kicked by the police and left for dead. Is it a crime to let your cries be heard? Is it a crime to protest for your livelihood? These people who protested where not motivated by any party but by the will to make their lives better.
Over the past 6 months, the cost of living in Zimbabwe has risen to unimaginable heights. Disparities between the Ruling Elite and Multitudes are more than just visible to the naked eye. As a former History student, the economic situation in Zimbabwe just reminded me of 18th Century France. The multitudes were crying for *Bread* whilst the *Ruling Elite* were living lavishly. Wining and dining, throwing parties were they ate *Cakes*.Someone may wonder why i highlighted the following words;
i Ruling Elite
ii Bread
iii Cake
These above words form the basis of the situation in Zimbabwe.
Lets start with the Ruling Elite.In comparison to 18th Century France, Zimbabwe has the Elite individuals who play a leading role in the Economics of the Nation.They are stakeholders in major companies and some of them too have a political background.In a nation where millions earn way below the Poverty Datum Line, there are a lot of millionaires within the Elite class.
Then for my point on bread, i want to shed light on the lives of the multitudes.The working class.The pillar of the nation. Imagine a teacher, one respected professional all over the world being reduced to nothing in Zimbabwe.A teacher earns less than 1000zwl, when converted to United States dollar is just a mere $100.
Ordinary citizens are finding it hard to buy basic commodities as prices hikes are now a common feature.A 2kg bag of sugar that cost $2 in 2018 now costs $20.That on its own shows just how bad things have turned in the Southern African State.Taxes are burdened onto the working class.For every transaction that one does, 2% of the amount is taxed by government.This was the same issue in 18th Century France.Taxes were levelled on the working class and couldn't even afford to buy bread.Bread in France has a big significance in their breakfast meals.
History tells us that when the people of France were suffering, the Elite were eating cake.They were having a jolly good time.I for one now believe the saying that History does find a way of repeating itself.Modern day Zimbabwe is one the same headway.The Elite are living lavishly, gaining wealth every minutes whilst the ordinary citizens are suffering.Youths are not employed, companies closing shop and big corporations cutting down on their workforces.
With every brand new light of day, comes a whole new chapter of suffering on the already burdened Zimbabwean.Fuel price hikes that affect every sector.As i wrote through, i thought of a heading to give to this piece. Deep within i felt the pain and suffering that we going through. I could only come up with the following sentence; "The Unheard Cries and Voices of the People". I settled for that above sentence because of the recent events in Zimbabwe. Because of the exorbitant prices of basic goods, the majority decided to conduct demonstrations across the country. Harare was the first to do so. People went to the streets, not motivated by politics but only to voice out their cries for help but they got one response from the government that not even the International community will forget any sooner
People from all walks of life converged on the streets and sat down, not armed with any weapons but armed with the will to be heard. The Police were unleashed on them, beating the daylight out of everyone in their way. There's one case in particular that stands out.In the midst of the protesters was an old statesman. He was kicked by the police and left for dead. Is it a crime to let your cries be heard? Is it a crime to protest for your livelihood? These people who protested where not motivated by any party but by the will to make their lives better.
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