Carte Blanche with Perry

Industry and Commerce Minister - Mike Bimha In the midst of the high drama ensuing in Zimbabwe following the expulsion of former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, news that the cabinet had endorsed the decision to set up a special task-force on price stabilisation and supply of essential commodities – basically meaning price controls – largely went unnoticed. It comes as no surprise however, given the way politics seem to take precedence over key economic issues in Zimbabwe. Interestingly, Zimbabwe has been  here before , and the results are almost guaranteed to result in wide-scale shortages and a flourishing black market. Renowned Economist Milton Friedman once said, “We economists don`t know much, but we do know how to create a shortage. If you want to create a shortage of tomatoes, for example, just pass a law that retailers can`t sell tomatoes for more than two cents per pound. Instantly, you`ll have a tomato shortage.” The suits in government however ...

  Munhumutapa Building with red roof: Flickr The natural temptation when one thinks of Zimbabwe is to side with the common narratives that have been advanced in detailing the country`s fall from grace. A terminal free-fall that has seen economic growth stagnate even at a time when regional peers have been surging full steam ahead. Not only that, unemployment has shot up, infrastructure growth has been stunted, there have been massive levels of brain drain, and the economy is a pale, unimpressive shadow of what it once was - the “Jewel of Africa.” On the political front, developments have not been inspired confidence at all, from both those in power as well as those aspiring to hold power. One can almost justify the cynicism most watchers of the Southern African country have developed over the years. In turn, their opinions shape the attitudes and outlook of everyday people who depend on these “educated opinions”. Given the foregoing, can one trust the opinions of the m...