10 Steps backwards
The climate of fear discourages an active citizenry
Fear and over-politicization of government programs severely undermine
the enjoyment of freedoms and hinder community development. When
citizens live in fear of persecution, arrest, or retribution, they are reluctant
to exercise their fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech, assembly,
and association. This climate of fear stifles dissenting voices, suppresses
creative expression, and discourages active citizenship.
In Buhera, a victim who had suffered from continuous exclusion from food
aid based on political bias was asked if she had made any formal
complaints about her predicament to the relevant authorities and she
expressed a deep sense of fear:
“Iii zvinotyisa zvekuti unenge uchifunga kuti manje ndikataura ndinozogara
sei munzvimbo mevaridzi nekuti dzimwe nguva vanhu vanotofa.” (I fear that
if I say something, how will I live in their area because sometimes people
die.)
Moreover, when government programs are overly politicised, development
initiatives are often hijacked to serve partisan interests rather than
community needs. This leads to inefficient allocation of resources,
corruption, and unequal access to essential services.
”
As a result, communities in Zimbabwe are denied the benefits of inclusive
and sustainable development, and the divide between the ruling elite and
the marginalised populations widens. Ultimately, the entrenchment of fear
and politicisation erodes trust in institutions, undermines social cohesion,
and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality as people are not free to
demand justice and actively participate in community development.
“
“Iii zvinotyisa zvekuti unenge uchifunga kuti manje
ndikataura ndinozogara sei munzvimbo mevaridzi nekuti
dzimwe nguva vanhu vanotofa.” (I fear that if I say
something, how will I live in their area because
sometimes people die.)
”
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