Editor's note

The crisis in Zimbabwe is deepening, and the country's economy is in a state of collapse. David Moore writes that recent events, including a massive security clampdown and the deaths of protestors, come after years of political and economic instability that have wiped out any faith people might have had in the country’s government. For his part, Robert Rotberg spells out the bold steps President Emmerson Mnangagwa will have to take to fix the country, while Tapiwa Chagonda argues that it's time for the ruling Zanu-PF to initiate talks with its political opponents.

Amid the chaos, Zimbabweans this week mourned the death of singer and guitarist Oliver Mtukudzi. Willie Chinyamurindi pays tribute to "Tuku", whose innovative music won him passionate fans across the continent, and the world.

In case you missed it, here’s the latest episode of our weekly podcast Pasha  – “to inform” in Swahili. Listen to astronomer Itumeleng Monageng discussing the star-gazing work done at the South African Astronomical Observatory.

Thabo Leshilo

Politics + Society Editor

Spotlight on Zimbabwe

Fantasy that Mnangagwa would fix Zimbabwe now fully exposed

David B. Moore, University of Johannesburg

The Zimbabwean government's brutal response to protests has dashed hopes for democracy under President Mnangagwa.

What needs to be done to stop Zimbabwe’s violent meltdown

Tapiwa Chagonda, University of Johannesburg

To stem the tide of the current crisis before it totally overwhelms President Mnangagwa and the ruling Zanu-PF, he needs to immediately cease the brutal onslaught on civilians.

Bold steps Mnangagwa should be taking instead of fiddling with the petrol price

Robert Rotberg, Harvard Kennedy School

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's decision to double the price of petrol shows very poor judgement and bad leadership.

Tribute to Oliver Mtukudzi – Zimbabwe’s ‘man with the talking guitar’

Willie Chinyamurindi, University of Fort Hare

Oliver Mtukudzi has left the world his greatest prized possession -- the gift of song.

Business + Economy

World Bank president: list of reforms African states should be demanding

Danny Bradlow, University of Pretoria

The World Bank’s original governance arrangements have changed much more slowly than the scale and nature of its operations.

African countries need to manage the rising power of credit rating agencies

Dr. Misheck Mutize, University of Cape Town

African countries need to find a way to present a common front to the rating agencies.

Podcast

 
 
 
 

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