Zimbabwe Checks Its Bank Balance, Finds Only $217

[webfact]

Zimbabwe checks its bank balance, finds only $217

By M. Alex Johnson, staff writer, NBC News

Before you get depressed about the state of your finances, spare a thought for the nation of Zimbabwe, which as of Tuesday had exactly $217 in the bank.

Finance Minister Tendai Biti said Tuesday that that was all that was left in the country's public accounts after it paid its civil servants last week, the South African Press Association reported. He told reporters in the capital, Harare, that some of them were probably better off than the state.

After a decade of inflation hit 500 billion percent in 2008 — leading to the issuance of 100 trillion-dollar bills in Zimbabwean currency [more...]

Full story: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/29/16758970-zimbabwe-checks-its-bank-balance-finds-only-217

-- NBC News 2013-01-31

[Chicog]

Is that US dollars or Zim dollars? If it's US it might at least buy him a ticket out of the country.

[bobl]

So.... $17,000,000,000,217 more than the US has in the bank?

[metisdead]

another post that should be in world news not thai news

Check again, this is the World News forum.

[MAJIC]

The Finace Minister should check Magabe's Bank Account,guaranteed there will be a huge amount of the peoples money in there!

[Bwanatickey]

Who is to blame?. R.Mugabe always has grand public speeches blaming the economic woes on outside forces. Who's fault is it now. His buddy Ghadaffi used to bankroll him.

[Chicog]

Personally I think Mugabe is just a senile talking head these days. The people behind the scenes are pulling the strings and trousering the cash.

[meatboy]

gordon brown at work again?

[chooka]

Those bloody white farmers ran off with it all when we burn't them out. We could have been a prosperous nation and the food bowl of Africa if it wasn't for white interference.

[Chicog]

Those bloody white farmers ran off with it all when we burn't them out. We could have been a prosperous nation and the food bowl of Africa if it wasn't for white interference.

If the white farmers had still been in charge, they would have been able to feed this troll. As it is, Mugabe's "war veterans" have turned it into a dustbowl.

[MAJIC]

Those bloody white farmers ran off with it all when we burn't them out. We could have been a prosperous nation and the food bowl of Africa if it wasn't for white interference.

The idea of taking over the plantations and turning the white farmers out was to farm the land themselves,what happened to that idea? before it all turned back to Jungle?

[MAJIC]

Those bloody white farmers ran off with it all when we burn't them out. We could have been a prosperous nation and the food bowl of Africa if it wasn't for white interference.

If the white farmers had still been in charge, they would have been able to feed this troll. As it is, Mugabe's "war veterans" have turned it into a dustbowl.

Bang on the nail,but the veterans didn't want to work the Farms and plantations,it's much easier to blame the white afrikaneer farmers,who worked the land for more than 150 years

[Suradit69]

"The government finances are in a paralysis state at the present moment,..."

Most likely a "parlous state," or even "perilous state," although maybe paralytic is a fitting choice of words.

Mugabe did ask Lord Soames to stay on in the early days of Zimbabwe. It probably wouldn't have made any difference if he had, but Mugabe clearly felt overwhelmed at the prospect of governing. Of course that feeling of vulnerability meant that all his efforts were then directed at staying in power through brute force rather than worrying about governing to promote the welfare of the country.

Britain's limp wristed capitulation to Ian Smith's Unilateral Declaration of Independence only added fuel to the various guerilla factions who were left with few alternatives but the bush war that followed and which ensured the racial divide would be all the more bitter.

... Britain's Prime Minister Harold Wilson warned Mr Smith of the consequences of unilaterally declaring independence and of "defying Britain, the whole of the Commonwealth and nearly the whole of Africa and the United Nations".

Pointless posturing that apparently did not impress anyone, least of all the Rhodesian Front Party.

I visited the country a number of times following Ian Smith's exit. Really a beautiful place then. They were the breadbasket to that region. Sad to imagine the state of things now.It probably would have been better economically to maintain the status quo regarding white run farms and industry, but that really wasn't a political option.

The white Rhodesia was run to provide a good life for the racial minority while leaving the crumbs for the African majority. It's true that nearly everyone was better off in terms of the very basics of life under that sort of arrangement, but people naturally do not want to live in a perpetual state of servitude.

Edited February 3, 2013 by Suradit69

[khunken]

"The government finances are in a paralysis state at the present moment,..."

Most likely a "parlous state," or even "perilous state," although maybe paralytic is a fitting choice of words.

Mugabe did ask Lord Soames to stay on in the early days of Zimbabwe. It probably wouldn't have made any difference if he had, but Mugabe clearly felt overwhelmed at the prospect of governing. Of course that feeling of vulnerability meant that all his efforts were then directed at staying in power through brute force rather than worrying about governing to promote the welfare of the country.

Britain's limp wristed capitulation to Ian Smith's Unilateral Declaration of Independence only added fuel to the various guerilla factions who were left with few alternatives but the bush war that followed and which ensured the racial divide would be all the more bitter.

... Britain's Prime Minister Harold Wilson warned Mr Smith of the consequences of unilaterally declaring independence and of "defying Britain, the whole of the Commonwealth and nearly the whole of Africa and the United Nations".

Pointless posturing that apparently did not impress anyone, least of all the Rhodesian Front Party.

I visited the country a number of times following Ian Smith's exit. Really a beautiful place then. They were the breadbasket to that region. Sad to imagine the state of things now.It probably would have been better economically to maintain the status quo regarding white run farms and industry, but that really wasn't a political option.

The white Rhodesia was run to provide a good life for the racial minority while leaving the crumbs for the African majority. It's true that nearly everyone was better off in terms of the very basics of life under that sort of arrangement, but people naturally do not want to live in a perpetual state of servitude.

Agreed. Rather similar to South Africa except that Mugabe turned to revenge as well as perpetuating himself as a virtual dictator. If he had allowed a peaceful takeover of the white farmers by blacks with the farming knowledge to run the farms, it might have worked out well. But he didn't. He incited his party followers to kill, loot & even destroy farms resulting in party acolytes with no farming expertise to just grab the properties.

His inciting of those same party members to intimidate & attack & sometimes kill the opposition has a certain resonance with Thaksin's tactics here in Thailand.

[Sing_Sling]

His inciting of those same party members to intimidate & attack & sometimes kill the opposition has a certain resonance with Thaksin's tactics here in Thailand.

Eh? from Zimbo's $217 in the bank to Thaksin being a murderer?

You're off your head, mate . . . why don't you take your personal agenda and place it where it belongs, not all over threads that have nothing to do with it

[Scott]

Let's stick to the topic of Zimbabwe, please.

[khunken]

His inciting of those same party members to intimidate & attack & sometimes kill the opposition has a certain resonance with Thaksin's tactics here in Thailand.

Eh? from Zimbo's $217 in the bank to Thaksin being a murderer?

You're off your head, mate . . . why don't you take your personal agenda and place it where it belongs, not all over threads that have nothing to do with it

What a pity you couldn't have read all my post which was about Zimbabwe. I don't have any more of a personal agenda than you do getting all of a dither over one line. Zimbabwe is a mess, all down to one dictator & there are those who don't want this country to end up the same. Have you anything sensible to contribute?

[khaowong1]

Wow.. Now I can actually say I have more money in the bank than some countries. At least one country...

73% of the nations GDP to pay for civil service wages? Wouldn't you think a bell would go off in someone's head there? It's either govt. bloat or they are not collecting enough tax's.

[maidu]

Wow.. Now I can actually say I have more money in the bank than some countries. At least one country...

73% of the nations GDP to pay for civil service wages? Wouldn't you think a bell would go off in someone's head there? It's either govt. bloat or they are not collecting enough tax's.

If you've got $1 in a bank, you've got more than the US government.

Look at Mugabe's overseas bank accounts, and you'll see about as much as Thaksin hides in similar places.

[Baerboxer]

"The government finances are in a paralysis state at the present moment,..."

Most likely a "parlous state," or even "perilous state," although maybe paralytic is a fitting choice of words.

Mugabe did ask Lord Soames to stay on in the early days of Zimbabwe. It probably wouldn't have made any difference if he had, but Mugabe clearly felt overwhelmed at the prospect of governing. Of course that feeling of vulnerability meant that all his efforts were then directed at staying in power through brute force rather than worrying about governing to promote the welfare of the country.

Britain's limp wristed capitulation to Ian Smith's Unilateral Declaration of Independence only added fuel to the various guerilla factions who were left with few alternatives but the bush war that followed and which ensured the racial divide would be all the more bitter.

... Britain's Prime Minister Harold Wilson warned Mr Smith of the consequences of unilaterally declaring independence and of "defying Britain, the whole of the Commonwealth and nearly the whole of Africa and the United Nations".

Pointless posturing that apparently did not impress anyone, least of all the Rhodesian Front Party.

I visited the country a number of times following Ian Smith's exit. Really a beautiful place then. They were the breadbasket to that region. Sad to imagine the state of things now.It probably would have been better economically to maintain the status quo regarding white run farms and industry, but that really wasn't a political option.

The white Rhodesia was run to provide a good life for the racial minority while leaving the crumbs for the African majority. It's true that nearly everyone was better off in terms of the very basics of life under that sort of arrangement, but people naturally do not want to live in a perpetual state of servitude.

Agreed. Rather similar to South Africa except that Mugabe turned to revenge as well as perpetuating himself as a virtual dictator. If he had allowed a peaceful takeover of the white farmers by blacks with the farming knowledge to run the farms, it might have worked out well. But he didn't. He incited his party followers to kill, loot & even destroy farms resulting in party acolytes with no farming expertise to just grab the properties.

His inciting of those same party members to intimidate & attack & sometimes kill the opposition has a certain resonance with Thaksin's tactics here in Thailand.

Yes. Mandela - dignified intelligent man of principle. Never allowed his treatment to bitter him. Led by shining example and always acted out of a genuine concern for his country and all the people in it.

Mugabe - corrupt crooked gangster who held on to power through murder and intimidation, bribery whilst pilfering the country's assets. Wonder if he banks in Switzerland?

Easy to spot the difference and what happens to a country when democracy is reomoved and the electorate only watch.

Edited February 4, 2013 by Baerboxer

[Daffy D]

"khunken" wrore:-

If he had allowed a peaceful takeover of the white farmers by blacks with the farming knowledge to run the farms, it might have worked out well. But he didn't. He incited his party followers to kill, loot & even destroy farms resulting in party acolytes with no farming expertise to just grab the properties.

Why should the blacks take over white owned farms. The farmers are Zimbabwe citizens holding Zimbabwe passports and have been for generations, why should they be forced off their land?

If you are going to victimize the whites because they are not "native" Africans you should continue the same policy to all the other countries.

Starting with Britain. Lets get rid of all the non whites they are not "native" Britain's. Britain was great before they all came and look at us now.

Then what about getting rid of all non native Americans. Then there's Australia and New Zealand look what generations of immigrants have done to those countries. Lets give all countries back to their indigenous peoples like they do in Africa.

[Potosi]

The statement that it was Mugabe and the expropriation of white farmers that turned a bread basket into a dust bowl is false. Climate change is doing that. Zimbabwe has experienced continuous droughts since the turn of the century. I doubt that white farmers could conjure up more water somehow. They would pull out by themselves now, unable to produce any crops in a new desert.

[midas]

But the world news link in the original post isn't half as ironic as the same story featured in Star Africa.com.

Here it explained exactly how much money they are expecting international donors to provide to Zimbabwe, so they can hold elections that are expected some time after a March referendum on a new constitution.

Why should countries give this kind of money when after it's all over Robert Mugabe will once again wave two fingers at the rest of the world and knowing how likely the vast majority of money would again end up in his pockets?

Zimbabwe’s government has warned it does not have enough money to fund a constitutional referendum and elections expected this year.

Biti said that left no choice but to ask the donors for cash.

“We will be approaching the international community,” he said.

The country’s elections agency said it requires $104 million to organise the vote.

http://en.starafrica...e-minister.html

Edited February 4, 2013 by midas

[Sing_Sling]

His inciting of those same party members to intimidate & attack & sometimes kill the opposition has a certain resonance with Thaksin's tactics here in Thailand.

Eh? from Zimbo's $217 in the bank to Thaksin being a murderer?

You're off your head, mate . . . why don't you take your personal agenda and place it where it belongs, not all over threads that have nothing to do with it

What a pity you couldn't have read all my post which was about Zimbabwe. I don't have any more of a personal agenda than you do getting all of a dither over one line. Zimbabwe is a mess, all down to one dictator & there are those who don't want this country to end up the same. Have you anything sensible to contribute?

Your post was short, I read it. Irrespective what Thaksin may or may not have been/done, this is hardly the thread to bring him into.

There are those who don't want Thailand to end up the same as Zimbo? It won't. It can't - why do you think it will, given certain conditions? Who are these 'those'? There are actually people who compare Zimbo to Thailand? There are more of you?

Zimbabwe's infrastructure was and is completely different from Thailand - no comparison makes sense in this regard.

I'll give you an example. Thai business leaders spoke of their fears of hyperinflation should the minimum wage change takes place . . . hyperinflation. Also, massive unemployment will result . . .

Anything? Nope.

Zimbabwe. 80% unemployment and hyperinflation of 1000%/year . . . from the NYT:

Four hundred seventeen Zimbabwean dollars is the value of a single two-ply sheet. A roll costs $145,750 — in American currency, about 69 cents.

The economic and political fundamentals are completely different . . . so perhaps you and 'those' who don't wish to see Thailand head down that path can have a restful sleep knowing it won't happen

Edited February 4, 2013 by Sing_Sling

[bigbamboo]

$217 still left? Don't let Mugabe find out or he'll send someone round and have that wired off to Switzerland before you can say 'corruption'.

[Payboy]

Zimbabwe checks its bank balance, finds only $217

Still a few months to go before their fiscal cliff, I see.

[stoli]

I am sure that the Amercian Government is still buying their bonds. "Good investement states Barack Obama. We are helping the poor".................

[GentlemanJim]

So.... $17,000,000,000,217 more than the US has in the bank?

One of the funniest lines I have read on TV

[bobl]

"khunken" wrore:-

Then what about getting rid of all non native Americans.

Current population of usa ~314 million. Where are you going to find the room to repatriate 313,900,000 displaced "non natives"?

[chooka]

"khunken" wrore:-

Then what about getting rid of all non native Americans.

Current population of usa ~314 million. Where are you going to find the room to repatriate 313,900,000 displaced "non natives"?

Australia is full, try England