Zimbabwe’s Government of National Unity: Harvest of Thorns?

National governments have sovereign mandates to provide basic goods and services to the citizenry. This study seeks to find out the citizenry’s opinion regarding the general performance of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Study findings suggest that while the GNU has made commendable socio-economic progress from 2009 to 2011, from thereon, there was serious socio-economic deceleration characterised by low business and investor confidence, continued de-industrialisation, little growth and employment generation, policy inconsistencies and uncertainties, the ‘stop-go’’ constitution-making process, and apparent stalling of the national healing and reconciliation process. Scenarios aground strongly suggest that the GNU has been dogged by deep-seated structural and situational challenges. It appears to be reaping more thorns than benefits. Against this backdrop, the paper recommends that policy makers should have sound knowledge in the principles of good governance and economic management in order to strengthen the capacity of the various institutions of governance and improve industrial competitiveness. This is particularly needed to address the ‘haemorrhage’ in the manufacturing sector and macro-economic instability. There is also need for the training of legislators in areas of policy formulation, budget analysis and communication skills.