Reddit mentions of Our Votes, Our Guns: Robert Mugabe and the Tragedy of Zimbabwe

At the start he had some good ideas, and some righteous causes, but as time went by, his policies were about as Marxist as Hayek.

Mugabe's government were always making regular pronouncements about converting Zimbabwe into a socialist society, although they didn't take concrete steps in that direction. In contrast to Mugabe's talk of socialism, his government's budgetary policies were conservative, operating within a capitalist framework and emphasising the need for foreign investment

Mugabe's administration expanded healthcare and education, and—despite his Marxist rhetoric and professed desire for a socialist society—adhered largely to conservative economic policies, as stated above.

At the start of his reign, there was massive expansion in education and health spending. In 1980, Zimbabwe had 177 secondary schools, but by 2000 this number had risen to 1,548. During that period, the adult literacy rate rose from 62% to 82%, one of the best records in Africa. Levels of child immunisation were raised from 25% of the population to 92%. In 1980, Zimbabwe had 177 secondary schools, but by 2000 this number had risen to 1,548. During that period, the adult literacy rate rose from 62% to 82%, one of the best records in Africa. Levels of child immunisation were raised from 25% of the population to 92%.



However, later on, a new leadership elite were formed, who often expressed their newfound status through purchasing large houses and expensive cars, sending their children to private schools, and obtaining farms and businesses. To contain their excesses, in 1984 Mugabe drew up a "leadership code" which prohibited any senior figures from obtaining more than one salary or owning over 50-acres of agricultural land. There were exceptions, with Mugabe giving permission to a General to expand his business empire, resulting in him becoming one of the Zimbabwe's wealthiest people. Growing corruption among the socio-economic elite generated resentment among the wider population, much of which was living in poverty.

In other words, he literally formed new bourgeoisie.

Not only that, but his ZANU-PF party formed their own businesses, often using public funds as venture capital. Yeah, that's right, they stole money from the poor to make themselves rich. Remind you of anyone ??

Add that to his homophobia, and there's a pretty clear case against him being anything remotely leftist, never mind a Marxist.

It's a tragedy too, considering how well he started.