The rise of social cynicism in Zimbabwe

It’s barely a few hours before Zimbabweans decide their future, but some things have been ignored in the run up to the July 30^th elections.Social cynicism is growing rapidly in most African countries with Zimbabwe included. The rise is perpetuated by high expectations concerning society institutions and authorities which are later on unfulfilled expectations leading to disillusionment.

Focusing on Zimbabwe, social cynicism is clouding today’s youth way of thinking. The youth no longer partake in activities that develop their communities as they believe that these activities are self-centered, they do not benefit them. This is because of corruption in our country. Corruption has destroyed institutions, therefore the rise of negative attitudes among the youth. 

Burgess (2015) says  social cynicism fosters low self-esteem, alcohol abuse and dissatisfaction with life. Looking at the current situation in Zimbabwe, youths are unemployed; they are abusing alcohol and drugs including health drugs as they can be easily accessed. The youth have been left out in major issues that affect them and they have lost hope in the current leaders. Zimbabwean youths feel they have no ability to influence outcomes. So, they put their hope in things that don’t deliver value to them.

When the new dispensation was ushered in, Zimbabweans had hope for a change in the government but nothing has changed so far. Up to now, people still sleep at the banks; prices are going up, no cash flow, people are buying money on the streets. With such a recipe, Zimbabweans have lost hope in the ruling government and occupy themselves with things that offer value to them like drugs and alcohol abuse. Most of these people even if they have registered to vote, they will not go and vote.  Most of the youth did not even register to vote as they think that these elections do not affect them.

Analysts believe this year’s election might change the history of Zimbabwe as 60 % of the registered voters are below forty years of age thus they will vote for their own generation but these are the same people who are abusing drugs and alcohol, people who feel dis-empowered, people who have been disappointed every five years.

The question that remains is what we are doing to put an end to the rise of social cynicism as active citizens. Such incidents call for action now as something should be done to curb the rise of social cynicism. The government and civil society should engage people especially those who feel dis-empowered so that they are given the space and time to voice their issues in the future.

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