Mugabe’s successor knows what Zim needs. Stand by for the Great Rebound.

It is impossible to over-estimate the relevance of the weekend's drama at South Africa's northern neighbour. Especially the speed with which a 37 year dictatorship ended. The change from adoration to ejection happened in under a fortnight. Although, in truth, it had been building for years. Gradually, then suddenly.

Some observers fret that Robert Mugabe's nemesis and likely replacement Emmerson Mnangagwa is a case of Zimbabwe jumping from the pan into the fire. Mnangagwa of 5th Brigade infamy, has a reputation for ruthlessness. His nickname of Crocodile was earned by a habit of waiting quietly before sinking jaws into rivals.

But I'm inclined towards a favourable and entirely rational consequence. One suggested within this week's cover story of The Economist whose in-depth analysis says Mnangagwa "has let it be known he would reverse the racist indigenisation business ownership law…has argued for some kind of settlement for white farmers acknowledging their skills are needed…and has put out secret feelers to the opposition, hinting at a unity government."

The global disapora of an estimated five million homesick Zimbabweans would delight in such a result. And they possess the skills and resources desperately needed to rebuild Africa's one-time breadbasket. If The Economist is right, Mnangagwa is fully aware of and intends sparking this revival. Hope springs.