Without this becoming a rant forum against the Chinese, I think...

Without this becoming a rant forum against the Chinese, I think it's fair to look at Zimbabwe and see just how much the government 'owes' them. It was to the Chinese that Mnangagwa went for succour when he was almost down and out in a factional succession battle in the last days of Mugabe. And it is to the Chinese that he owes his return and incumbency. This is not a nice 'international standards and protocols' way of conducting business. It is nevertheless the stark reality in Zimbabwe. Other countries come and go but China, where it matters, builds alliances deep inside the ruling elite.
May not like it, but it makes perfect sense. The lucky part of this deal is that there will be something for those shareholders that hung in - perhaps not ideal, but something at least. Which is not the case for millions of Zimbabweans who will get next to nothing out of indigenous asset and resource extraction. For a third of all working adult Zimbabweans, the reality is that the best they are likely to get is working abroad, in South Africa, the Middle East, UK, Europe, the US and Australasia. If you look around, you might find one close by. Ask him or her. Don't take my word.