An overview of my blogging journey in 2024
I have used the blog form of writing for a while now to share insights from my research with a broader audience. In 2024 I published twelve blog posts covering various themes, including democracy, development, agrarian reforms, and personal development. While the responses have varied, my letter entitled "Dear Dalitso" has garnered the most interest. In this overview, I have taken the opportunity to reflect on my blogging journey month by month and to compile all the links to each blog in one convenient location for the reader's ease of access.
In February, I published a blog titled “ The Big Bet”. 2024,” which sparked significant discussion among colleagues. The blog has reached 133 views, while the accompanying podcast has garnered 223 views. It critiques the diminishing emphasis on community assets in development discourse, which is often overshadowed by state behaviour. The central argument is that engaged citizens, and local associations are vital for fostering democracy and inclusive development. In this blog I argue against reducing democracy to mere electoral events, emphasizing that true democracy involves public problem-solving across society. Observations from Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia reveal that government performance frequently falls short of citizens' needs, perpetuating poverty, and inequality. However, communities show resilience through both informal and formal networks of solidarity, essential for resource pooling and addressing local challenges. The blog advocates for a renewed focus on community associational life, highlighting grassroots efforts to enhance accountability and improve livelihoods.
I then worked on a series of writings titled the "Democracy and … Series during which I explored various aspects of democracy, all of which were composed from March 7th to March 10th. The inaugural publication in this six-part series highlights a pressing global consensus, how democracy is in decline while authoritarian regimes are gaining strength and solidarity. This troubling trend is underscored by the 2020 Democracy Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit, which revealed that only 49.4% of the world's population lives under some form of democracy, with only 8.4% in "full democracies." The series calls for critical reflection on this decline, particularly in Africa, where military coups, one-party rule, and authoritarianism prevail. It points to public dissatisfaction driven by corruption and ineffective governance, arguing that mere elections are not enough. Genuine democracy requires enhancing public freedoms, citizen engagement, and equitable resource distribution. The series seeks to explore ways to revive democratic ideals, emphasizing democracy as a continuous societal commitment rather than just an electoral event.
Let’s Talk About Democracy: A Definitional Crisis dives into the pressing concerns surrounding the perceived threats to democracy in an era marked by rising authoritarianism globally. I highlight significant challenges to established political and governance frameworks, including events like the attempted coup in the United States, the rise of right-wing nationalism, and a resurgence of military coups, alongside China's growing influence. I argue that these issues may signal a crisis in how power is exercised, often benefiting a select few. It outlines three democratic frameworks—consensus, constitutional, and deliberative democracy—highlighting the importance of citizen engagement. Despite the threats, grassroots movements and global citizen initiatives offer hope for revitalizing democratic practices. I make a call for a reimagining of electoral systems to reflect the will of all citizens, promoting a more inclusive and equitable democratic future.
In my blog, “Democracy and…The Principle of Adequate Representation” I dive into the evolution and challenges of democracy, tracing its origins to Ancient Greece, particularly the reforms of Cleisthenes, who established citizenship as the basis for political responsibility rather than clan affiliation. Although this shift enabled broader participation, it also led to early exclusionary practices based on wealth and education. I argue that despite democracy's connection to the French Revolution and universal suffrage, achieving meaningful representation remains difficult due to social cleavages such as race, language, and gender. Focusing on Zimbabwe, I critique local representation hampered by tribalism and the disconnect between leaders and constituents. I advocate for an inclusive approach that genuinely reflects the interests of marginalized groups like women and youth, urging political parties to go beyond superficial practices. Ultimately, the blog underscores the necessity for a participatory democracy that addresses community-specific challenges through evidence-based policy-making and grassroots engagement.
In my fourth piece, "Democracy and the Principle of Effective Participation " I highlight the importance of citizen participation in democracy. I argue that effective governance relies on amplifying local voices, upholding the rule of law, and fostering equity. I define citizenship as active engagement in governance rather than mere legal status. Despite Zimbabwe's constitutional mandate for inclusive participation, I pointed out numerous challenges citizens face in engaging with their government. While mechanisms like public protests and local consultations exist, genuine participation often feels elusive due to perceived powerlessness and superficial frameworks. For further exploration, I discussed these themes on the podcast “What If - What If There Is an Alternative: Is Participation the Missing Key?” which received 173 views, highlighting its relevance.
"Democracy and the Principle of Cooperation," addresses critical issues surrounding the evolution of political systems and the role of civic engagement in democracy, particularly in the context of Zimbabwe. I critique the traditional view of democracy as merely a function of voting, emphasizing that true democratic engagement requires active citizen participation beyond electoral processes. Drawing on historical perspectives from thinkers like Thomas Hobbes and Alexis de Tocqueville, I argue that democracy is inherently a social construct that thrives on cooperation and collective action among citizens. I also highlight the importance of civic agency, which can be cultivated through grassroots associations that reflect the unique needs and challenges of communities. These associations not only foster political participation but also serve as incubators for democratic values and practices. Furthermore, I underscore the necessity of a 'with' approach, i.e. government working with citizens to enhance mutual efforts between state and society. I then call for greater recognition of local associative forms as vital components in deepening democracy, suggesting that these grassroots movements can significantly contribute to national discourse on governance and civic responsibility.
In the sixth instalment of the “Democracy and…” series, titled "Democracy and the Principle of Economic Inclusion: Part One," I delve into the critical intersection of democratic governance and economic inclusion. I address the decline of democratic values during economic crises, citing a 15-year trend of democratic recession, particularly in Africa, where coups, intolerance, and human rights violations are rising. I also argue that many public protests are driven by economic grievances rather than demands for democracy. While acknowledging progress in African democratic frameworks, I identified persistent economic weaknesses that hinder true democratic development. I also criticized free-market models for increasing job losses and inequality, widening the gap between elites and the majority. Advocating for a reassessment of economic strategies, I call for integrated value chains, innovative funding for industrialization, and greater citizen engagement in reform efforts, moving away from reliance on political and business elites. I then concluded by stressing the urgent need for an inclusive economic framework to support democratic values and tackle issues like unemployment and inflation.
On July 20, 2024, I published a blog titled "AfricaGiving-More Than Just an App!" that examines the work of our innovative AfricaGiving app, which my organisation, SIVIO Institute launched in 2023, on the African philanthropy landscape. This innovative platform seeks to address the challenges local non-profits face in securing sustainable funding and visibility while emphasizing the need for a change in basic assumptions in philanthropy. It facilitates direct giving across diverse contexts, strengthens organizational governance, and fosters trust through rigorous vetting processes. I note the importance of building relationships between individual donors and organizations, advocating for a cultural shift towards online giving. The blog also highlights the successful "100 for $100" campaign, showcasing the app's capacity to connect donors with meaningful causes and promote collaborative philanthropy. Overall, AfricaGiving is positioned as a crucial tool for enhancing community-driven initiatives and nurturing a culture of giving in Africa.
On July 23, 2024, I published a blog titled "South Africa’s Elections Are a Warning Sign for Democracy," featured on the Kettering Foundation website. This analysis, following the May 2024 national elections, examines the African National Congress's (ANC) decline, as it secured only 40.2% of the vote—the lowest since 1994. I highlight voter disillusionment due to the ANC's unfulfilled promises and internal divisions that led to breakaway parties capturing 24.1% of the vote. I caution that without a renewed focus on inclusive economic development and effective governance, South Africa's democracy is at risk. The blog emphasizes the urgent need for the ANC to tackle governance issues, corruption, and rising inequality to preserve stability and democratic integrity.
Fifteen days after Rwanda's elections (30 July 2024), Nyasha McBride Mpani and I published an article titled "Freedom of Choice in Rwanda’s Presidential Elections is an Illusion," in Mail & Guardian. The analysis critiques the political situation following President Paul Kagame's 99% vote win, questioning the legitimacy of such results amidst his long-standing presidency since 2000 and the lack of viable alternatives for voters. We contextualize Kagame's popularity within Rwanda's post-genocide recovery, comparing it to the ongoing struggles in countries like Zimbabwe. We express concerns about political dissent suppression, exemplified by the imprisonment of opposition figures like Diane Rwigara, complicating the electoral transparency debates. Ultimately, we argue that despite Kagame's contributions to stability and development, Rwanda still lacks genuine public participation and political pluralism, challenging the nation's quest for effective governance alongside democratic freedoms.
In the article "Latest Developments on Land Tenure Reforms in Zimbabwe," published on October 10th, 2024, I examine the Government of Zimbabwe's announcement on land tenure changes for fast-track farms, which introduces bankable titles allowing landowners to borrow against, sell, or subdivide their property, with restrictions on sales to 'indigenous' citizens. The blog discusses the potential benefits, such as improved financing, enhanced agricultural productivity, and a new land market, while also addressing challenges like land concentration and the need for effective governance to tackle issues with land barons. My dedication to land and agrarian issues is evident in my previous works, which serve as valuable resources for enthusiasts seeking to explore these topics further. These include the policy brief "To Compensate or Not To? Revisiting the Debate on Compensation for Former Large–Scale Farmers in Zimbabwe," the policy insight "titled The Past in the Present: Challenges of Protecting Customary Tenure Provisions - The Chilonga Case," and the article "titled Exploring The Tenure- Nexus on Customary Land Right Holders ." Additionally, I explored the impact of land reform on agricultural practices in Zimbabwe through the What If Podcast,where I examined the impact of land reform on Zimbabwean agricultural practices nearly 25 years post-fast-track implementation, discussing the necessity of these reforms and potential future pathways for the sector, which has garnered 126 views and is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of these reforms and future directions for the sector.
On December 24, 2024, I concluded the year with a blog titled "2024: The Year Democracy Was Tested in Africa," originally featured in Mail & Guardian. In this analysis, I distill the critical issues surrounding democratic governance across the continent, highlighting the significant costs of conducting elections in Africa, averaging $4.20 per capita—double the global average. Increasing public scepticism towards electoral commissions, coupled with a demand for accountability, underscores the electorate's impatience for substantive change rather than mere power shifts among elites. The blog also discusses the ideological evolution in African politics, with a shift from personality-driven politics to performance-based assessments of governance. While there are signs of deepening democratic practices, a concurrent rise in authoritarianism poses a threat to progress. I argue that elections alone are insufficient for true democracy, emphasizing the necessity of broad citizen engagement and governance focused on development rather than perpetual electoral cycles.
These are just my views based on various readings and field research. The only conclusion I make is that democracy is a work in progress. It is not necessarily about elections but more about citizens engaged in fixing public problems collectively. The year ahead is going to require even more work from all of us. At times, we restrict ourselves to focusing only on who to vote for; that is important, but we need to go beyond that. How else can we contribute towards the change that we desire?
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