Perpetuating colonial legacies: reflections on post colonial African states's development trajectories; observations from Zimbabwe

Abstract

Colonial rule which lasted for over a century in some African countries had devastating consequences on the continent which continue to haunt modern Africa states politically, socially and economically. While for some African countries the end of colonialism set the stage and foundation for democratic transition, in others, which are the majority, was continuation and exacerbation of undemocratic systems of governance and policies which stalled development. Colonialism was premised on exploitation of the majority by the white minority, the use of unjust laws and violence as tools of domination, among many others. The means of production principally land and mineral resources were a preserve of the ruling white minority in cahoots with international capitalism. This paper exposes that in many post colonial states, Zimbabwe in particular; there has never been any significant paradigm shift of the status quo to empower the black Africans. The means of production, rich mineral resources, power and opportunities still remain a preserve of a small clique of politically and economically connected elite.