Someone once said that once the wheels of change are in motion, they can't be stopped; it's as if once the sun starts to rise, there is no going back into the night. It seems as if the wheels of change are turning in Zimbabwe, slowly but surely even in the midst of forces trying to halt the change.
Last week the government officially suspended the official currency and has opened up the foreign currency market. The downside is that all savings in Zimbabwean dollars were rendered worthless (actually these trillions were worth nothing!), and salaries are now being paid in foreign currency, thanks to donors. There is so much going on. For example, audits and assessments of education, health, and other critical departments directly related to the welfare of citizens. Prices of goods have dropped as foreign currency has become more accessible. So these changes have a rippling effect and give a sense of hope for the future. However, we need to keep praying that the wheel of change keeps moving!
In South Africa, the election fever is building up as the election draws nearer (22nd April). This has been one of the most hotly contested elections, and the election results will give voice to the sentiments and loyalties of citizens. For the first time South Africans living abroad will be able to cast their vote and in some places like England and Australia they have cast their votes. Within the country, security has been beefed up in areas where election violence has surfaced, and we all hope that this will be a violence-free elections.
God bless and hope that the easter season was a time of renewal and inspiration for all of you.
Nontando Hadebe, a former Sojourners intern, is originally from Zimbabwe and is now pursuing graduate studies in theology in South Africa.
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