Zimbabwe's Economy Crashed - So How Do Citizens Still Cling to Myths of Urban and Economic Success?

Nations often have myths that shape their nationalism. These narratives help define their identity as political communities. In Zimbabwe, such myths focus on urban modernity and economic exceptionalism. However, these ideas contrast sharply with the current reality.

The concept of urban modernity dates back to colonial times. When Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, its economy appeared strong. Urban residents enjoyed middle- and working-class lifestyles. They had access to social protection, mobility opportunities, and fixed working hours. Urban modernity represented order, steady jobs, and education.

Zimbabwe's economy was once exceptional in sub-Saharan Africa. It was diversified and robust. However, the 1990s and 2000s brought rapid socio-economic changes. The country faced severe economic, financial, and political crises. By 2004, over 80% of people relied on informal livelihoods.

My PhD thesis examined Harare's shift to informality from 2016 to 2018. I interviewed vendors, traders, manufacturers, local authorities, and urban planners for my research paper. My analysis explored how people cope with realities that challenge their myths of urban nationalism.

During crises, people rethink old ideas to fit new situations. Their views on urban modernity change as they remember past successes. This memory influences their thoughts about the future and raises questions about government performance.

What do the myths of urban modernity mean in Zimbabwe today? Some cling to early postcolonial ideals promoted by the government. Others accept economic informality while trying to improve it. Some challenge the idea that street vending is not modern or formal enough.

Many believed informality would be temporary; normalcy would return soon. Respondents defined "working" as having regular wages and job security during interviews from 2016-2018. They reluctantly accepted informality but sought ways to elevate it as a business sector.

Some informal associations encouraged members to view themselves as businesspeople. Respondents distinguished between acceptable activities in city centers versus those deemed unacceptable by early postcolonial standards.

Street vendors challenged perceptions by dressing smartly to show professionalism in their work. The myth of urban modernity has deep historical roots in Zimbabwe's colonial past.

Colonizers aimed for cities to remain predominantly "white." Africans were confined to designated areas unless living with employers' families. The colonial administration enforced "order" in Salisbury (now Harare) while punishing marginalized groups.

Today, over 32% of Zimbabweans live in urban areas. The African middle class emerged in the 1930s through education as a means of social mobility after independence in 1980 when cities became deracialized.

However, the new government maintained strict control over who could access urban spaces. Numerous operations targeted "undesirable" individuals and activities since the 1980s—removing informal settlements or arresting women under pretexts like prostitution elimination.

The most notorious operation was Operation Murambatsvina in 2005; it punished those deemed unproductive within cities.
These harsh standards of urban modernity have shaped Zimbabwe’s national identity over time.

Economically speaking, colonial and early postcolonial Zimbabwe had a diverse economy with strong sectors like mining and agriculture.
By 1974, manufacturing contributed significantly—25%—to GDP.
Despite ongoing decline narratives persist that claim Zimbabwe's industrial sector ranks second only to South Africa’s.
It is still referred to as “the breadbasket” of Africa despite its challenges today.