They started as the breadbasket of Africa.

Strong currency that matched the pound. Strong financial services with banks and loans. Well developed public services, good hospitals, good education (the most literate country in Africa) they had tourism and industry. Good trade. Good military and police force.

Julius Nyerere, the leader of Tanzania, prophetically cautioned Mugabe, saying: “You have inherited a jewel in Africa. Don’t tarnish it.”