Part 4: Oranges for Lidl!

Following Mugabe's removal from power, a period of optimism swept the country. Paul, Patti and their son Mark had transformed their citrus farm by installing a modern plant capable of processing oranges to the standards required by the EU and the Lidl’s of this world.

This was a remarkable and inspirational feat in Zim’s chaotic and broken business environment. They attracted investment from a German wholesaler (Oceania) and hired Spanish expertise to install the state of the art plant, processing lines and computer systems. They are an example of how Zim could be if only the country could change its direction of travel. The sketch shows the results of their brilliant efforts.

Come monday morning Paul took us to see the plant operating in full swing……….. but guess what……. there was a power outage and no diesel left to run the generators. Next year they plan to put in solar panels and become independent from such constraints. How they remain so calm and positive I don’t know………it would drive me crazy!

(Editors note: Power cuts happen almost every day due to both environmental factors and governmental incompetence. Zim’s power stations have been poorly maintained and become inefficient or defunct, the Kariba dam hydroelectric system was crippled because of the drought and S.Africa had stopped providing power into the National Grid as Zim had defaulted on its bills.

When will the government learn they are servants of the people and not takers of wealth………….we heard on the news that the Zim power company (ZESA) was being investigated for the disappearance of $70M. However the latter was later dwarfed by the $3B which had gone missing from a government body trying to improve agricultural productivity. Good grief!)