Miracles

They say you have a better chance of being struck by lightning than winning the lotto. Or seeing a miracle.

To be sure, there's nothing wrong with playing the lotto or expecting and praying for a miracle.

There's everything wrong with hitching all your plans, or those of your organisation, or the whole country, on this.

Alternative democratic traditions

In the US presidential system, the incoming administration can (and does, except perhaps if it’s a continuation of a Democratic or Republican governance) implement wholesale personnel and policy changes, subject only to the constitution and the oversight of Congress. Clear, simple, well-known, longstanding tradition.

In the UK, there is a persistent professional civil service, which generally endures and survives changes of government. It provides continuity, assurance, stability and implements the policies of the government of the day. Clear, simple, well-known, longstanding tradition.

And then there is a third, muddled, alternative. A bit of a cross between the two traditions, where whim, disguised settling of scores and jobs for pals tend to rule. Why not opt for one or the other tradition and be open about it?

Zimbabwe should just use the Rand

Zimbabwe’s economy is not as strong as it was many years ago. It has lurched from one crisis to another, without a credible solution in sight.

Zimbabwe’s biggest problem is around the currency and runaway inflation. Currency solution after currency solution has failed. It’s all about credibility and trust, and the simplest solution seems unpalatable to the authorities. Zimbabwe’s ruling elite should swallow its collective pride and join the Common Monetary Area. This is the economic reality. And while at it, the country should also join the Southern African Customs Union. After all, South Africa is Zimbabwe’s biggest trading partner and, most likely, remittances from Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa are probably the biggest external transfers

These two acts would restore credibility and stabilise the economy. Sure, the country would economically be beholden to South Africa, but in many ways it is even now, with limited benefits