Mthuli Ncube Failing To Boost Zimbabwean Economy

By Staff Reporter
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35002
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September 04, 2019

Zimbabwe now faces a second major descent into inflation and economic despair in the space of 12 years.

The first, in 2008, involved almost metaphysical rates of inflation – 231m% at one point that year according to some reports, with other estimates even higher.

The crisis resulted in hugely controversial elections, which the opposition surely won – but which saw Robert Mugabe re-installed as President in a power-sharing deal with the opposition.

To stabilise the economy, the worthless Zimbabwean dollar was jettisoned and people were given the option of using a basket of foreign currencies, the US dollar chief among them.

The problem was then how to source US dollars – and this was done largely by borrowing.

Fast forward to 2019, nearly two years after Mugabe was ousted and Emmerson Mnangagwa installed as President – Zimbabwe’s annual inflation is officially 176%, the highest in the world after Venezuela.

But this official figure is almost certainly false. My own calculations, based on prices I observed during the 2018 Zimbabwean elections and reports from Zimbabwean friends now, estimate inflation at about 600%.

And this is within what remains of the formal economy. Recourse to the black market to secure goods such as fuel and bread unavailable elsewhere means a parallel inflation rate that is higher – by my calculations, at about 800%.

And now the publication of inflation data has now been suspended for six months.

The government’s inability to pay for electricity imports has meant power outages of up to 18 hours each day. This is in part a result of poor rains and low water levels in Lake Kariba, the source of a huge percentage of the nation’s hydro-electricity – amid reports that it might be altogether decommissioned.

Even if this is not the case, the turbines at Kariba are far from being in good shape and, even in seasons of abundant rain, Zimbabwe had to depend on electricity supplies from South Africa and Mozambique. These countries now want to be paid.

Mnangagwa’s almost desperate slogan for Zimbabwe is that it is now “open for business”. But the elections of 2018 that were meant to legitimise his presidency were marred by violence and deaths and no election observer group validated the polls as fully free and fair. Under those conditions, initial promises of foreign investors faded away.

Dollars began to dry up, sourcing new dollars became impossible, and the new technocratic Minister of Finance, Mthuli Ncube, began desperate but hugely orthodox measures to instil some discipline in a runaway economy.

Those who were rich and powerful declined to make sacrifices of their own, while those who were poor simply got poorer.

Almost a year into the job, Ncube has reined in some of the profligacy in state spending and managed to bring in an increase in tax revenue. But his tax measures have been hugely unpopular, with poorer business people seeing them as disincentives to invest in future productivity.

One of his hugely unpopular early measures was to tax cell phone financial transactions. At a stroke, this jeopardised what was beginning to become a thriving cyber economy.

It seems Ncube feels a need to deal only with concrete transactions in a hard currency, however valueless, that he and the government can try to control.

In June, he introduced a new Zimbabwean dollar, outlawing the use of the US dollar. This has already led to a rapid erosion of spending power, with the new currency trading at almost ten to one US dollar. He has defended his decision, although his critics remain many.

With the lack of incentives to small businesses that bridge the formal and informal economies, a huge number of families depend on salaries earned by public servants.

There are about 400 000 civil servants in Zimbabwe. Given the lack of real value in the Zimbabwean dollar, they probably live on less than US$2.00 a day. They and their families, not to mention the network of relatives in the extended family, cannot survive on that.

Ncube’s fixation with control shows the dead hand of a government that has run out of ideas and, above all, trust in entrepreneurial initiative and self-creation. Nevertheless, it wishes to have control of all it surveys, even as this diminishes before its own eyes

According to an interview with Bloomberg in mid-August, Ncube said he hopes to establish a nine-member monetary policy committee that will reduce interest rates from 50%.

Within 12 to 18 months, Zimbabwe plans to sell domestic bonds with a duration of as long as 30 years to fund infrastructure investment. In time, it will approach international markets, he said. How exactly any of this is to be done is yet to be explained.

Hanging over all this is the size of the debt that Zimbabwe needs to repay before investors will consider the country a viable risk for new loan liquidity. Estimates for this figure range from US$9 billion to as much as $US30 billion.

Under a debt-settlement plan, which Ncube maintains he is discussing with creditors, Zimbabwe would complete an International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff-monitored programme in January 2020. He told Bloomberg that Zimbabwe would then borrow the $1.9 billion it owes the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) from the G7 group of industrialised nations. This would allow it to win $1 billion in debt relief from the World Bank and AfDB, which it would pay back to the G7.

But this is an astonishing strategy. It is based on the ability, and credibility, to borrow money to repay money. And there is absolutely no indication that the G7 would loan significant sums to Zimbabwe until both economic and, above all, political reforms are instituted.

Whether Zimbabwe could complete the IMF staff-monitored programme by January is a huge question in itself. The IMF conditions are not easy ones.

Having got this far, Ncube has no choice but to hope that his policies will work. He inherited a mess of gigantic proportions. It was as if the ZANU-PF ruling party, the government, and the oligarchic ruling class thought the free lunch could go on forever. Someone would always loan it more money.

Ncube realised that this could not any longer be the case. But his solution seems to be simply a new way to borrow more money. The first terrible truth is that it is not Zimbabwean money that will save Zimbabwe. The second terrible truth is that Zimbabwe’s economy may not, for some time, be saved.

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GLP-1 Diet Plan: What to Eat While Taking Weight Loss Medication

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GLP-1 weight loss medication can reduce appetite, but that does not mean food no longer matters.

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In fact, food may matter even more.

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When your appetite is lower, every meal needs to count. You need enough protein, fiber, fluids, vitamins, and minerals to support your body while losing weight.

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A GLP-1 diet plan should not be extreme. It should be simple, balanced, and easy to follow.

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Why Nutrition Matters on GLP-1 Medication

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Some people make the mistake of eating too little while taking GLP-1 medication. They feel full quickly, skip meals, and assume that less food automatically means better results.

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But undereating can create problems.

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You may feel weak, tired, nauseated, or constipated. You may also lose muscle along with fat.

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A JAMA Internal Medicine guide notes that GLP-1 medications can cause loss of muscle and fat, and it recommends protein and muscle maintenance strategies.

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The goal is not just weight loss. The goal is healthier weight loss.

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The Best Foods to Eat on a GLP-1 Diet Plan

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1. Lean Protein

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Protein should be the foundation of your meals.

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Good options include:

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Chicken
rnTurkey
rnFish
rnEggs
rnGreek yogurt
rnCottage cheese
rnLean beef
rnBeans
rnLentils
rnTofu
rnTempeh
rnProtein shakes when needed

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If your appetite is very low, protein shakes may help you meet your needs.

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2. Vegetables

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Vegetables provide fiber, water, and nutrients.

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Good choices include:

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Spinach
rnBroccoli
rnCauliflower
rnGreen beans
rnPeppers
rnCucumber
rnZucchini
rnCarrots
rnCabbage
rnLettuce
rnTomatoes

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Cooked vegetables may be easier to tolerate than raw vegetables for some people.

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3. Fiber-Rich Carbohydrates

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You do not need to fear carbs. Choose better carbs.

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Good options include:

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Oats
rnSweet potatoes
rnBrown rice
rnQuinoa
rnBeans
rnLentils
rnWhole-grain bread
rnFruit

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These foods can support energy and digestion.

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4. Healthy Fats

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Healthy fats help with satisfaction, but portions matter because fats are calorie-dense.

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Good options include:

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Avocado
rnOlive oil
rnNuts
rnSeeds
rnNatural peanut butter
rnSalmon

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5. Hydrating Foods and Drinks

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Hydration matters because appetite changes, nausea, and constipation can be affected by fluid intake.

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Choose:

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Water
rnHerbal tea
rnSparkling water
rnBroth
rnWater-rich fruit
rnLow-sugar electrolyte drinks when appropriate

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Foods That May Worsen Side Effects

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Some people experience nausea or digestive discomfort on GLP-1 medication.

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Foods that may worsen symptoms include:

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Greasy foods
rnLarge heavy meals
rnFried foods
rnHigh-sugar desserts
rnAlcohol
rnVery spicy foods
rnLarge portions of red meat
rnCarbonated drinks for some people

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Not everyone reacts the same way. Track your own tolerance.

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How to Build a GLP-1-Friendly Meal

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Use this simple formula:

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Protein first
rnVegetable second
rnFiber-rich carb third
rnSmall healthy fat
rnWater or low-calorie drink

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Example:

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Grilled chicken
rnSteamed broccoli
rnSmall sweet potato
rnOlive oil drizzle
rnWater

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Another example:

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Greek yogurt
rnBerries
rnChia seeds
rnSmall handful of nuts

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Sample GLP-1 Meal Plan

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Breakfast

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Option 1: Greek yogurt with berries and chia seeds
rnOption 2: Scrambled eggs with spinach
rnOption 3: Protein smoothie with unsweetened yogurt and fruit

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Lunch

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Option 1: Chicken salad with vegetables and avocado
rnOption 2: Turkey lettuce wrap with fruit
rnOption 3: Lentil soup with side salad

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Snack

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Option 1: Cottage cheese
rnOption 2: Boiled egg
rnOption 3: Protein shake
rnOption 4: Apple with peanut butter

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Dinner

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Option 1: Salmon with green beans and quinoa
rnOption 2: Turkey meatballs with roasted vegetables
rnOption 3: Tofu stir-fry with brown rice
rnOption 4: Chicken soup with vegetables

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What to Eat When You Feel Nauseated

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If you feel nauseated, try smaller meals.

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Helpful options may include:

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Plain crackers
rnToast
rnBanana
rnRice
rnApplesauce
rnBroth
rnSmall protein smoothie
rnGinger tea
rnPlain yogurt

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Avoid large, greasy meals when nausea is worse.

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Contact your health care provider if nausea is severe, persistent, or you cannot keep fluids down.

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How to Avoid Constipation

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Constipation can happen when you eat less, drink less, or reduce fiber.

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Try:

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Drinking more water
rnEating vegetables daily
rnAdding fiber slowly
rnWalking after meals
rnEating beans or oats
rnUsing prunes if tolerated
rnDiscussing options with your provider if needed

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Do not suddenly overload fiber if your stomach is sensitive. Increase gradually.

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Protein and Muscle Maintenance

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Protecting muscle should be a priority.

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Ways to support muscle:

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Eat protein at every meal
rnStrength train at least 2 days per week
rnWalk regularly
rnAvoid crash dieting
rnDo not skip meals daily
rnUse protein shakes if needed

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The CDC recommends adults include muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days per week.

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What Drinks Are Best?

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Best choices:

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Water
rnUnsweetened tea
rnBlack coffee
rnSparkling water
rnLow-sugar electrolyte drinks
rnBroth

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Limit:

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Soda
rnSweet tea
rnJuice
rnAlcohol
rnHigh-calorie coffee drinks

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Liquid calories can slow progress and may worsen stomach discomfort for some people.

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Common GLP-1 Diet Mistakes

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Eating Too Little Protein

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Low appetite makes it easier to miss protein. Make protein your first priority.

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Skipping Meals Too Often

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Skipping meals may lead to low energy or poor nutrient intake.

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Eating Greasy Foods

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Greasy meals may worsen nausea or digestive discomfort.

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Not Drinking Enough Water

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Lower appetite can reduce thirst cues too. Keep water nearby.

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Ignoring Strength Training

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Weight loss without resistance training may increase muscle loss risk.

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Grocery List for a GLP-1 Diet Plan

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Protein

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Eggs
rnChicken
rnTurkey
rnFish
rnGreek yogurt
rnCottage cheese
rnTofu
rnBeans
rnLentils
rnProtein powder

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Vegetables

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Spinach
rnBroccoli
rnCauliflower
rnGreen beans
rnCarrots
rnCucumber
rnPeppers
rnLettuce
rnZucchini

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Carbohydrates

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Oats
rnSweet potatoes
rnBrown rice
rnQuinoa
rnFruit
rnWhole-grain bread
rnBeans

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Healthy Fats

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Avocado
rnOlive oil
rnNuts
rnSeeds
rnNatural peanut butter

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Drinks

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Water
rnHerbal tea
rnSparkling water
rnBroth
rnLow-sugar electrolyte drinks

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Final Thoughts

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A GLP-1 diet plan should help you lose weight while protecting your energy, digestion, and muscle.

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Eat protein first. Add vegetables. Choose fiber-rich carbs. Drink water. Strength train. Keep meals smaller if your stomach feels sensitive.

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Medication may reduce appetite, but your habits still build the result.

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GLP-1 weight loss works best when food, movement, medical care, and consistency all work together.

Best Mesothelioma Law Firm: What to Look for Before Hiring

best mesothelioma law firm, mesothelioma law firm, asbestos law firm, top mesothelioma lawyer, asbestos cancer attorney, mesothelioma legal help

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Best Mesothelioma Law Firm: What to Look for Before Hiring

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Choosing the right mesothelioma law firm is an important decision. These cases are highly specialized and very different from ordinary injury claims.

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A strong mesothelioma law firm should know how to investigate decades-old asbestos exposure, identify products, file lawsuits, handle trust fund claims, and support families through a difficult diagnosis.

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The best law firm for your case is not simply the one with the biggest advertisement. It is the one with the right experience, resources, communication, and strategy.

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Why Mesothelioma Cases Need Specialized Lawyers

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Mesothelioma cases often involve:

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Exposure from decades ago
rnMultiple companies
rnBankrupt asbestos manufacturers
rnTrust fund claims
rnMilitary exposure
rnComplex medical records
rnProduct identification
rnWork history research
rnState law strategy
rnWrongful death issues

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A general personal injury lawyer may not have the databases or experience needed.

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What to Look for in a Mesothelioma Law Firm

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1. Asbestos Case Experience

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Ask:

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How long have you handled mesothelioma cases?
rnHave you handled cases involving my jobsite or military service?
rnDo you file lawsuits and trust fund claims?
rnHave you handled wrongful death claims?
rnDo you have trial experience?

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2. National Reach

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Asbestos exposure may have happened in multiple states. A national asbestos firm may evaluate where the case can be filed and which law applies.

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3. Product Identification Resources

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The firm should be able to investigate asbestos products used at worksites, ships, factories, plants, and construction sites.

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4. Trust Fund Knowledge

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Many asbestos companies created bankruptcy trusts. A strong firm should know which trusts may apply and how to file claims properly.

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5. Compassionate Communication

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Families dealing with mesothelioma need clear, respectful communication.

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Ask:

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Who will update me?
rnHow often will I hear from the firm?
rnWill I need to travel?
rnCan documents be handled remotely?
rnHow do you protect a sick client’s energy?

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Questions to Ask Before Hiring

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Ask:

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What compensation options may apply?
rnWhat deadline controls my case?
rnWhat evidence do you need?
rnHow do you investigate exposure?
rnWhat companies may be responsible?
rnDo you handle veterans’ asbestos cases?
rnDo you charge upfront fees?
rnWhat percentage do you charge?
rnHow long could the case take?
rnWhat happens if my loved one passes away during the case?

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Red Flags to Avoid

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Be careful if a firm:

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Guarantees a specific amount
rnDoes not explain fees
rnHas little asbestos experience
rnCannot discuss trust fund claims
rnPressures you to sign immediately
rnDoes not provide a written agreement
rnDoes not ask detailed exposure questions
rnTreats the case like a simple accident claim

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No ethical lawyer can promise exact results.

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Why Timing Matters

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Because legal deadlines vary by state, timing is critical. Mesothelioma cases may move faster than other lawsuits because patients can be very ill.

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A lawyer may seek to preserve testimony early through a deposition.

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Final Thoughts

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The best mesothelioma law firm should combine asbestos litigation experience, trust fund knowledge, exposure investigation resources, and compassionate client service.

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If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, choose a firm that understands both the legal complexity and the human weight of the diagnosis.

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Strong legal help can make the process clearer during one of the hardest times a family can face.