In the halls of power, as we sit through meetings deliberating whether Zimbabwe should remain excluded from international organisations such as the Commonwealth, a crucial question must be asked: what do we hope to achieve?
By Brighton Musonza
This inquiry is not just a philosophical exercise but a reflection on the trajectory of our nation—its political maturity, economic aspirations, and generational ambitions. It is a conversation that can no longer be deferred, especially as the clock ticks down on President Mnangagwa’s tenure, which, constitutionally, will end by 2028. The pursuit of short-term political interests, driven by narrow agendas, at the expense of long-term national benefits, is a misguided and perilous approach.
Zimbabwe’s political impasse, a debilitating quagmire, has persisted for over three decades. Entire generations have grown up—or grown older—under the heavy shadow of this stalemate. During this period, opportunists, often lacking any democratic mandate or legitimate organisational representation, have emerged as vocal proponents of Zimbabwe’s exclusion from international organisations.
Their actions, far from advancing the interests of the nation, serve only to prop up ZANU-PF’s authoritarian grip on power. For a party that thrives on chaos and global rejection, the continued isolation of Zimbabwe provides fertile ground to sustain a system resistant to accountability, reform, and constructive global engagement.
The Commonwealth and the Case for Re-engagement
Membership in the Commonwealth is more than a ceremonial badge of honour. It is a gateway to shared values such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and good governance—principles that lay the foundation for political stability and economic growth. By resisting reintegration, Zimbabwe is forfeiting an opportunity to benefit from the peer pressure and influence exerted by member states. This leverage could play a pivotal role in nudging ZANU-PF towards reform, fostering an environment where the nation aligns with the Commonwealth’s political and ethical standards.
The benefits of Commonwealth membership extend beyond politics and governance. For instance, initiatives such as the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan provide Zimbabwean students with invaluable opportunities to access world-class education, equipping them with skills to contribute to national development.
Similarly, the Commonwealth Youth Council empowers young people with leadership platforms to engage in addressing global challenges, fostering a generation that can think beyond Zimbabwe’s borders and position the nation competitively on the world stage. Yet, these opportunities remain unrealised due to the prioritisation of self-serving political agendas over the collective aspirations of Zimbabweans.
The Cost of Isolation
It is deeply concerning that the actions of a few individuals—often driven by ignorance, parochialism, or outright malice—continue to have far-reaching and detrimental consequences for the nation. These ill-informed actors, whether intentionally or inadvertently, are shaping a legacy of deprivation for generations to come. The refusal to re-engage with organisations like the Commonwealth deprives Zimbabwe’s youth of critical resources and opportunities, from educational scholarships to platforms for global leadership.
Beyond these tangible benefits, reintegration into the Commonwealth and similar forums represents a symbolic re-entry into the global community. It signals a willingness to embrace reform, accountability, and partnership—qualities that are essential for fostering foreign investment, rebuilding trust, and creating a foundation for sustainable development. Instead, Zimbabwe’s continued self-imposed isolation perpetuates a cycle of poverty, stagnation, and missed opportunities.
A New Era Beckons
The generation of ZANU-PF leaders who were part of the Liberation Struggle is nearing its end. This inevitable generational transition offers an opportunity to chart a new course for Zimbabwe. The focus must shift from the entrenched ideologies of resistance and isolation to a forward-looking vision of reintegration and collaboration. This is not merely a political imperative but a moral one. Zimbabwe’s youth deserve better than the legacy of exclusion and deprivation they have inherited. They need access to quality education, global networks, and the tools to secure a prosperous future.
For Zimbabwe to thrive, it must ease itself back into international forums, shedding the burden of self-induced isolation. The path forward requires bold leadership, open dialogue, and a commitment to prioritising national interests over individual or partisan agendas. The Commonwealth, with its emphasis on shared values and mutual support, offers a practical and symbolic starting point for this journey.
Conclusion
Zimbabwe stands at a crossroads. The decisions made today will echo through generations, shaping the nation’s destiny. It is time to move beyond the narrow calculations of political survival and embrace a vision of national renewal. By re-engaging with the Commonwealth and similar international organisations, Zimbabwe can unlock a future of opportunity, stability, and progress. The question is not whether we can afford to rejoin the global community, but whether we can afford not to.
