UANC President Raises Alarm Over Zimbabwe’s Economic Decline, Political Intolerance

By Own Correspondent
HARARE — United African National Council (UANC) president Percy Chigodora has raised concern over Zimbabwe’s worsening social, political and economic conditions, accusing authorities of presiding over a crisis characterised by poverty, political intolerance, corruption and industrial decline.
In a press statement issued as his State of the Nation Address (SONA), Chigodora said many Zimbabweans were struggling to make ends meet despite the country’s abundant natural resources, with informal trading becoming a major source of livelihood for many families.
He said the destruction of homes and small businesses during operations conducted in the name of cleaning up cities had further worsened the plight of already vulnerable citizens.
“Most families are living on less than a dollar every day in a country full of natural resources,” Chigodora said, adding that the demolitions had dealt affected communities a double blow.
On the political front, the UANC leader alleged that opposition politicians were facing harassment, assaults and torture for speaking out against injustice.
He also criticised what he described as rampant corruption among the ruling elite, alleging that politically connected individuals were using their financial influence to acquire land and other resources under the guise of development.
Chigodora said the use of land as a political tool contradicted the ideals for which Zimbabwe’s liberation fighters sacrificed their lives.
“As UANC, we are deeply concerned and will continue to voice against such injustice,” he said.
The opposition leader further expressed concern over the country’s economic performance, arguing that the collapse of industries had left many young people without meaningful employment opportunities.
He lamented the disappearance or decline of major industrial enterprises, including Mazda Motor Industries, W. Dammers, Willowvale Motors and Deven Engineering, which he cited as examples of the country’s lost industrial capacity.
Chigodora also raised concern over the alleged use of former industrial facilities by individuals connected to political authorities for the production of drugs and potentially harmful beverages.
He linked the lack of employment opportunities to growing social challenges among young people, including drug abuse, saying many youths had been left without clear economic prospects.
The UANC president also warned that the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 could further deepen the country’s challenges.
He called on the judiciary to carefully consider the cases before it relating to the proposed amendment, urging the courts to exercise independent judgment in handling the matter.
“We would also like to say to those who are fighting in courts, we are fully behind you. We commend your efforts,” he said.
Chigodora concluded by calling for national unity and collective action against injustice, urging Zimbabweans both at home and abroad to work together towards addressing the country’s challenges.
“In conclusion, I would like the country to remain united and fight against injustice from one corner. God of our ancestors will not let us down,” he said.