Tendai Ruben Mbofana
There is a peculiar kind of greed that afflicts some leaders—one so insatiable it defies logic.
It is a form of acquisitive madness that turns a nation’s most sacred resources into disposable assets, its people into collateral damage, and its future into an afterthought.
This type of greed doesn't just aim for riches; it yearns for control.
It's not only about control, but complete ownership of a nation's vital resources.
This tale recounts the sorrowful journey of Zimbabwe's governing class.
For many years, Zimbabwe has suffered under a political elite skilled in exploitation.
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Initially heralded as a transformative pledge to elevate the general populace, this movement has transformed into a corrupt system where those in power mainly seek personal gain through state resources.
In this scenario, corruption isn’t accidental—it’s inherent to the system.
This isn't due to a handful of corrupt individuals but rather a well-cultivated environment where people who have control over key mechanisms of power consistently misuse their authority for selfish purposes.
Looting is not something hidden.
This takes place openly during daytime, disguised as part of governmental initiatives, state contracts, and unclear financial instruments.
This process occurs via smoothly operating patronage systems wherein public contracts are granted based on loyalty rather than competence.
Those who hold power don't merely take; they construct complex mechanisms for exploitation that ensure their lasting control.
Moreover, what is most perplexing is the immense scope and endurance of this looting.
Even after amassing unimaginable fortunes, the ruling elite appear incapable of stopping.
Even as the nation crumbles—the hospitals depleted of medicines, schools lacking textbooks, roads resembling dried-up river beds, and power plants struggling to operate—they persist in their looting.
This goes beyond mere greed; it is outright cannibalism.
This is a political culture that destroys the source of prosperity and, devoid of compassion, seeks out another victim to exploit.
This represents a system of governance that relies on exhausting the fundamental resources needed to support the country.
To grasp this condition, it is necessary to analyze the dynamics of power within such settings.
People who steal at this tier are motivated by more than just greed for possessions.
Their riches serve as a type of political shield—a safeguard against exposure.
Amidst an unstable political environment, where trust is scarce and adversaries hide around every corner, riches serve as the stronghold for defending against competitors.
A major factor behind the rampant plundering carried out by those in authority stems from their necessity to uphold an extensive patronage network. This system operates such that political endurance relies not on competence or popular support, but rather on the capacity to provide tangible incentives to supporters, protectors, and possible adversaries.
In this type of political environment, wealth serves beyond mere personal indulgence; it transforms into an essential form of political protection.
It serves to purchase loyalty, finance publicity campaigns, control organizations, and shield oneself from responsibility.
Without this flow of illicit wealth, the foundations of power begin to crack.
Rulers who plunder state funds are, in numerous respects, securing the perpetuation of their authority.
They have to consistently spend more than both domestic and foreign rivals, utilizing state money and natural assets to keep allegiance among the security forces, high-ranking members of the governing party, and even groups within civil society.
In this scenario, greed isn’t merely considered a flaw; it’s a political must-have, turned into a tool for endurance within a system that devours those who fail to sustain it.
Gathering wealth is seen as amassing authority.
Even worse is the intentional cultivation of a population reliant on government support.
Through economic collapse caused by corruption and mismanagement, those in authority position the masses into poverty, making them susceptible and hopeless.
After this is accomplished, the same ruling class steps in with aid such as food packages, tuition payments, burial support, or small cash transfers—all funded not via open governance practices, but from their private domains established using plundered riches.
In this perverted dynamic, they transform into rescuers for the same individuals they have impoverished.
This is a harsh yet efficient approach: when individuals are impoverished enough, they might abandon their principles for the sake of survival.
Elections are secured not by presenting ideologies, but by distributing benefits; authority is maintained not by demonstrating competence, but by fostering dependence.
The politician acts as both the one who starts the fire and the one who puts it out—igniting the blaze before gaining praise for extinguishing the very flames they ignited.
This manner allows corruption to do more than just enrich those in power; it also systematically weakens citizens, transforming hardship into a form of political capital.
Here, nothing can ever be sufficient.
Enough means exposure.
Enough means risk.
Thus, the plundering persists—not due to the plunders' necessity, but out of their dread at what might occur should they cease.
Furthermore, in a state where institutions lack substance and checks and balances serve merely as formalities, there is minimal restraint against such conduct.
Impunity has become the rule rather than the exception.
The judicial system, law enforcement agencies, and parliamentary oversight bodies—which still remain in some places—have either been co-opted or made ineffective.
In this environment, genuine accountability stems not from potential legal repercussions, but rather from political blunders.
The objective then shifts not only towards personal enrichment, but also towards securing absolute dominance over all potential threats, even those originating internally.
This situation has led to catastrophic outcomes for Zimbabwe.
The country boasts abundant natural resources, strong human capital, and a historic legacy of resilience.
Moreover, it continues to be trapped in a cycle of poverty, underdevelopment, and societal hopelessness.
The issue stems not from a shortage of potential, but rather from intentional sabotage by individuals tasked with safeguarding and promoting the collective well-being.
This act represents a violation not only of constitutional responsibilities, but also of the fundamental concept of leadership.
What is especially heartbreaking is that despite recognizing corruption as a worldwide issue, Zimbabwe's situation distinguishes itself due to its devastating impact.
In numerous nations, dishonest leaders often still present an appearance of progress.
They construct roads, outfit hospitals, and put money into education—even if they keep a portion for themselves.
However, in Zimbabwe, the plundering is so unchecked that it leaves nothing remaining.
State-owned companies are depleted instead of being rejuvenated. Public infrastructure is plundered rather than repaired.
Government initiatives are co-opted rather than enhanced.
This is the sort of corruption that doesn’t just drain the system—it completely empties it.
This poses a disturbing query: How could an influential leadership group be so eager to dismantle the state that upholds their authority and luxury?
It all depends on the essence of their connection to the government.
To these elites, Zimbabwe is not a country to construct—it is a resource to extract.
It is not a heritage to be preserved—it is a resource to be depleted.
Their attachment to the country is not patriotic, but parasitic.
They don't make plans for tomorrow since their focus is solely on today—particularly, on what they can gain from it before they get ousted or destroyed by their own indulgence.
What type of leadership puts the people's welfare on the altar of greed?
What type of leader deprives a hospital of crucial medications yet resides in extreme opulence?
What type of patriot allows schoolchildren to study under trees as they funnel millions into offshore accounts?
This is not leadership.
It is plundering while dressed in bespoke suits.
It appears to be governance but is actually a hostile takeover.
This doesn’t have to be how things remain.
There is still an opportunity to reshape the concept of leadership in Zimbabwe—by rejecting this extractive culture and substituting it with one based on stewardship.
However, this kind of change will not originate with those who profit from the present system.
It has to originate from citizens—via unified pressure, structured resistance, and an unwavering call for openness and justice.
True transformation will occur solely when individuals take back their authority to have a government that serves, rather than consumes.
Zimbabwe is not beyond redemption.
It is a lost cause.
And as long as this plundering continues, the country will keep struggling forward—its promise suppressed, its aspirations delayed, and its destiny pawned for the sake of a select few’s convenience.
The moment has come to pose difficult questions, not only concerning those who steal, but also regarding why these actions go unchecked and unpunished.
Above all, for how much longer will people stand idly by as they witness the destruction of the goose that lays the golden eggs?
- Tendai Ruben Mbofana is an advocate for social justice and also a writer. Don’t hesitate to call or send a WhatsApp message at: +263715667700 | +263782283975, or you can reach out via email:. mbofana.tendairuben73@gmail.com , or visit website: https://mbofanatendairuben.news.blog/
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