A Tumultuous Start to 2025
As the sun rises over Zimbabwe in the early weeks of 2025, the country finds itself at a crossroads. The echoes of international decisions, internal power struggles, and whispers of corruption have shaped a month unlike any other. The return of Donald Trump to the White House has raised fears of aid cuts, while in Harare, political tensions are bubbling beneath the surface.
From a controversial car invention that turned out to be a mirage to the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) elections marred by corruption allegations, Zimbabweans are left wondering where is the country heading?
But beyond the politics and policies, what do these developments mean for the everyday citizen? This feature explores the human side of these major events shaping the nation.
Trump’s Return – The Fallout on Zimbabwe’s Health and Food Security
When Washington sneezes, the world catches a cold—and Zimbabwe is no exception. The re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. President has sent ripples across Africa, with his administration swiftly pausing all foreign aid to reassess America’s spending abroad.
Among those affected is Miriam Nkomo, a single mother in Bulawayo living with HIV. For years, she has relied on antiretroviral treatment (ARVs) provided through U.S. funding under PEPFAR (the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). But with Trump freezing aid, fears are mounting that supplies could dwindle.
“I am scared. If the funding stops, where will I get my medicine? Will I die because politicians in America are playing games?” she asks, eyes filled with worry.
The impact extends beyond health. Zimbabwe’s food security programs—many of which are supported by USAID—are also at risk.
Takudzwa Moyo, a maize farmer in Masvingo, explains how U.S.-funded programs have helped him improve yields through better irrigation and inputs.
“If they cut us off, it’s going to be hard. We are already struggling with drought, and now this?” he sighs.
The uncertainty has left many Zimbabweans bracing for a tough year ahead.
Political Turmoil: “ED Must Go” and the Cracks in ZANU-PF
Back home, the political scene is no less dramatic. While President Mnangagwa is officially on leave, the corridors of power are buzzing.
War veterans, once his fiercest supporters, are now calling for him to step down.
Cde Blessed Runesu Geza, a former freedom fighter, did not mince his words:
“We fought for Zimbabwe, not for one man to rule forever. It’s time for ED to step aside peacefully,” he declared in a viral video.
For many Zimbabweans, this is a moment of déjà vu—similar murmurs preceded Robert Mugabe’s ousting in 2017. But this time, there is no clear successor.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a man once seen as a kingmaker, is now locked in a public feud with businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
At a national hero’s burial, Chiwenga made a bold speech condemning corruption, seen by many as a jab at powerful figures close to Mnangagwa.
In a fiery response, Chivayo, a flashy millionaire with government contracts, fired back on social media:
“You are a failed politician! I am not afraid of you. I support ED only!”
The drama playing out in public has left citizens questioning: if those at the top are fighting, what does it mean for ordinary people?
The Car That Never Was: Mnangagwa’s Embarrassing Blunder
On a different stage, Mnangagwa recently celebrated what was hailed as Zimbabwe’s first locally invented vehicle.
Photos were posted on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, with government officials praising the groundbreaking achievement.
But within days, the truth unraveled.
Experts quickly pointed out that the vehicle in question lacked scientific credibility.
Then, mysteriously, the celebratory posts began disappearing—deleted from accounts of Information Secretary Nick Mangwana, the Ministry of Information, and even Mnangagwa himself.
“Where is the car?” Zimbabweans joked online.
Memes flooded social media, mocking the grand unveiling.
Tafadzwa Mondo, a university engineering student, summed up the frustration:
“This is why young Zimbabwean scientists leave the country. We focus on propaganda instead of real innovation.”
For many, the incident was another reminder of the government’s tendency to prioritise optics over substance.
Football or Fraud? The ZIFA Elections Controversy
Away from politics, the beautiful game is also making headlines for the wrong reasons. The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) held elections in January, but the process was marred by allegations of corruption and backroom deals.
“Same old ZIFA, different year,” laments Farai Chamboko, a die-hard Warriors fan in Harare.
At the center of the controversy, once again is controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, a man whose name has become synonymous with political patronage and flashy wealth.
Chivayo openly backed one of the candidates, promising extravagant rewards if his preferred choice won. Reports emerged that he pledged to buy brand-new vehicles for each voting Councillor and inject $10 million into ZIFA if the election went his way.
For many Zimbabweans, this was not an act of generosity, it was outright vote-buying.
“How can we expect fair elections when money is used to buy influence?” asks Tonderai Nyasha, a former ZIFA administrator.
After years of FIFA suspensions due to government interference, Zimbabwean football has struggled to rebuild. Now, with fresh allegations that money changed hands in the elections, hope is fading fast.
“Football is supposed to unite us, but right now, it’s just another dirty game,” says Sandra Mboti, a young footballer hoping for a career in the sport.
“Football is supposed to unite us, but right now, it’s just another dirty game,” says Sandra, a young footballer hoping for a career in the sport.
The situation has left many questioning whether Zimbabwean football can ever truly be free from corruption.
As FIFA watches closely, the future of the national game remains uncertain, overshadowed by money, politics, and power.
What Next for Zimbabwe?
As January 2025 comes to an end, Zimbabweans are left with more questions than answers. Will Trump’s policies cripple the country’s health and food programs? Will Mnangagwa survive the growing calls for his resignation? And will ordinary citizens ever see real change?
Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear: the resilience of the Zimbabwean people remains unshaken. Whether it’s a farmer in Masvingo, a mother in Bulawayo, or a young footballer dreaming of a better future, their stories continue to define the nation.
For now, Zimbabwe watches and waits.