Post date: Dec 25, 2013 12:41:29 PM
Many Zimbabweans struggle to feel the cheer this Christmas as economic hardships bite. Many say they are cutting down on Christmas shopping this year following effects of a decade of steep economic decline and hyperinflation.
HARARE, ZIMBABWE (REUTERS) - Zimbabweans are anticipating a bleak festive season due to the country's prevailing economic hardships.
Though many people like to go shopping during this time of the year, a number of Zimbabweans say they will not be spending much because they don't have money."For me this Christmas is very difficult because there is no bonus at work, and I have to manage my salary for this December, to last me through January, I have to take care of school fees, I have to, so it's a very difficult Christmas," said Charles, a Harare resident.
Zimbabwe's economy shrank by 45 percent during a decade-long economic crisis blamed on current President Robert Mugabe's policies of nationalism. Many people here say they are unable to make ends meet.
"One thing about Christmas, it has become commercialised, and for the poor people, it is very unfair, they can't afford to spend, like the people who have and the majority are poor people," said Constance Pollen, another Harare resident.
President Mugabe, who won a disputed election in July, is struggling with an economy that is shedding jobs, failing to woo foreign investors and racked by electricity shortages.
After growing at higher rates between 2009 and 2012 when the country was run by a coalition government with former Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, the economy slowed down this year after a mid-season drought and while businesses and investors held out for the July 31 election.
The economy is projected to grow 6.4 percent in 2014, a big jump from the 3.4 percent projected for this year, backed by mining and agriculture. However, analysts say the figure is very ambitious.
"Looking at the conditions economically in Zimbabwe at the moment, its very definite that its going to be a very bleak Christmas holiday for the nation, we have foregone a lot in our quest to recover our economic angle, the levels of poverty in Zimbabwe they are grinding, reaching the all time high, if you look at the disposable incomes, for most residents be it the civil sector, private sector, companies are still struggling for not only bonuses but basic salaries," said economic analyst, Christopher Mugaga.
But despite the economic woes, Harare is once again draped in colourful decorations as people here continue to hope that the country, that was once known as Africa's bread basket will bounce back.