Zimbabwe’s rulers are finding that two decades of economic mismanagement and brutal repression have led them into a trap, from which there’s little chance of escape.
If they implement the political and democratic reforms needed to win the financial support the economy needs from international donors, they’re likely to lose the next election. If they don’t, their people, propelled by the extreme hardship brought about by austerity measures imposed by the International Monetary
Fund and World Bank, may remove them through an uprising. Already, a currency devaluation effected in February has slashed the value of wages by 90% in six months.
That dilemma was manifest on August 16, in full view of journalists and tourists watching from the terraces of the best-known hotel in the capital, Harare.
Below, a crowd of about 200 demonstrators, peacefully singing in protest, was violently broken up by riot police, who left a woman lying unconscious in the
middle of a major intersection. Less than an hour earlier, a court had ruled the gathering illegal. “The desperation of most Zimbabweans means that future
sustained protest movements are likely,” says Mathias Hindar, an analyst in London at Falanx Assynt, a risk consulting firm. “Continued brutal crackdowns will
thus increase the risk of Zimbabwe reaching a tipping point, similar to movements in Sudan and Algeria, where sustained protests brought down entrenched
regimes.”
A day before the protest, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube sat in his office and spoke of the country’s bright future and the weekly fuel price hikes he says are
needed to balance the budget. “We can declare victory on the fiscal front,” he said. “Everything that I say, I implement.”
That progress is hard to see at street level. In downtown Harare, vendors line cracked sidewalks in hopes of selling their meagre goods—single heads of garlic,
loose batteries, and bits of ginger. “It’s not easy, but I have to look after other members of the family, including my grandmother,” says Solomon Mufandaedza
as he crouches behind a sheet of plastic from which he displays pieces of ginger, small parcels of roasted peanuts, and a few avocados. The 22-year-old starts
selling his wares at 6am, six days a week, in Harare.
A basic refrigerator retails for the equivalent of about seven months’ gross salary for a civil servant, a member of the country’s middle class. Few can afford
to shop for such items. Ncube, a Cambridge-trained economics professor, says the situation is similar in neighbouring South Africa, where he once lived.
“That’s untrue. In South Africa, an average monthly salary for a government worker is enough to buy six refrigerators.”
There’s a lot to fix. In 2000, former President Robert Mugabe sanctioned the violent takeovers of white-owned commercial farms to bolster his support in rural
areas. The result was a collapse in exports, the rapid contraction of the economy, a series of famines, and a bout of hyperinflation that led the country to
abandon its own currency in favour of the United States dollar in 2009.
From 2010 to 2016, pay for the 400 000 government workers was raised to a level where it accounted for more than 90% of the tax revenue. The country is saddled
with US$9 billion in external debt and unable to borrow more until its arrears to international creditors, such as the World Bank ,are met. About a quarter of
the population of about 14 million, once considered to be Africa’s most educated, has emigrated.
Ncube was appointed in September last year by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who succeeded Mugabe after a coup in 2017. The Finance minister introduced an
unpopular tax on mobile money, reintroduced the Zimdollar in June, and boasts that the country has been running budget surpluses since January.
Info News
Addiction Treatment Centers: What Families Should Know Before Choosing Rehab
Choosing an addiction treatment center is a major decision for families. Addiction affects health, relationships, finances, work, and emotional stability. The right treatment program can help a person begin recovery with professional support.
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Treatment options vary. Some people need inpatient rehab, where they live at the facility and receive structured care. Others may choose outpatient treatment, where they attend therapy while continuing to live at home.
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Inpatient treatment may be helpful for people with severe addiction, unsafe home environments, repeated relapse, or co-occurring mental health concerns. Outpatient care may work for people with strong support systems and less severe symptoms.
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Detox may be necessary before treatment begins, especially for substances that can cause withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox helps manage withdrawal safely under professional supervision.
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A quality treatment center should offer individualized treatment plans. Addiction recovery is not one-size-fits-all. People may need therapy, group counseling, medication-assisted treatment, mental health support, family counseling, and relapse prevention planning.
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Families should ask about licensing, staff qualifications, treatment methods, medical support, aftercare planning, and insurance coverage.
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Cost is an important concern. Some rehab centers accept private insurance, Medicaid, or payment plans. Families should verify coverage before admission to avoid surprise bills.
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Aftercare is one of the most important parts of recovery. Treatment should not end when a person leaves the facility. Ongoing therapy, support groups, sober living, and relapse prevention can help maintain progress.
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Families should avoid programs that promise instant cures. Recovery takes time, honesty, and support.
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The best addiction treatment center is one that treats the whole person, not just the substance use. With the right care, recovery is possible.
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Best Online MBA Programs for Career Growth and Higher Salaries
Why Online MBA Programs Continue Growing
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Online MBA programs have become increasingly popular among professionals seeking career advancement without leaving full-time employment. Flexible scheduling, remote learning technology, and growing employer acceptance have transformed online business education into a highly respected pathway for leadership development.
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Many professionals pursue MBA degrees to improve management skills, qualify for executive roles, increase earning potential, or transition into new industries. Universities now offer specialized MBA programs in finance, marketing, healthcare administration, business analytics, cybersecurity management, and entrepreneurship.
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As remote learning platforms improve, online MBA students gain access to networking opportunities, virtual collaboration, and global business perspectives while maintaining work-life balance.
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Benefits of Earning an MBA Online
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One major advantage of online MBA programs is flexibility. Students can complete coursework from almost anywhere while continuing professional and personal responsibilities. This convenience makes online education especially attractive for working professionals and parents.
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Online programs also often cost less than traditional campus-based degrees. Students save money on transportation, housing, and relocation expenses while maintaining income from current employment.
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MBA graduates frequently qualify for higher-paying positions and leadership opportunities. Employers value advanced business knowledge, strategic thinking skills, and leadership training developed through MBA coursework.
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Choosing the Right Online MBA Program
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Prospective students should compare accreditation, tuition costs, faculty experience, curriculum quality, and networking opportunities before selecting a program.
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Accredited universities generally provide stronger educational quality and better employer recognition. Career placement services, internship support, and alumni networks can also significantly improve long-term career outcomes.
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Students should also evaluate specialization options that align with their career goals. High-demand industries such as technology management, healthcare administration, and financial services continue offering strong career growth opportunities.
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Final Thoughts
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Online MBA programs provide flexible and effective pathways for professionals seeking career advancement and higher earning potential. Strong leadership training, specialized business education, and improved networking opportunities make MBA degrees valuable long-term investments.
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Carefully selecting the right accredited program can help professionals strengthen career opportunities while maintaining flexibility and financial stability.
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