Daily News

South Africa hopes for amicable solution to crisis

- KAILENE PILLAY

OPPOSITION political parties differ in their views on whether a coup in Zimbabwe would have an impact on South Africa.

The IFP’s Narend Singh said although Zimbabwe was a sovereign state that must deal with its own governance issues, South Africa would be directly affected by unrest or instabilit­y there.

“Currently we have millions of Zimbabwean­s who have sought asylum in South Africa. These numbers could increase dramatical­ly,” he said.

Singh appealed for calm in Zimbabwe and urged leaders and the army to reach an amicable solution that would bring social and economic stability.

“South Africa should fulfil its diplomatic role fairly and in the interests of all in sub-Saharan Af- rica,” Singh added.

However, United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa believes that South Africa would suffer minimal impact should a coup d’état take place.

Speaking to Independen­t Media this morning, Holomisa said that for economic and other reasons, Zimbabwean­s have been “flooding South Africa for a long time”.

Commenting on current events in Zimbabwe, he said that it seemed as if intra-Zanu-PF issues had led to the involvemen­t of soldiers and the entire country being affected. He said that the focus had shifted from issues facing the country to party politics.

“The soldiers didn’t take it lightly when the Deputy President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) was removed and it seems that those who have been detained are campaigner­s for Grace Mugabe,” Holomisa said.

The Department of Internatio­nal Relations and Co-operation said it would not get involved in party politics in Zimbabwe.

Spokespers­on Clayson Monyela said they were in contact with the Zimbabwean government, but “nothing has changed as far as we know and the status quo remains”.

Eye

Monyela said the department and South African government were keeping a watchful eye over Zimbabwe for now.

Monyela said he had “not heard anything” when asked about rumours that former president Thabo Mbeki was on his way to Zimbabwe to mediate.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane tweeted last night that the instabilit­y in Zimbabwe was the outcome of not adhering to the electoral results in 2008, forming the government of national unity.

“Mugabe must go, he has turned dictator against his people. We must always ensure democratic outcomes are upheld so we enter a Post Liberation Movement era,” Maimane’s tweet continued.

EFF leader Julius Malema tweeted that he liked Mugabe for his contributi­on towards the African revolution, but his overstay was destroying his legacy.

“A good leader should have produced 2nd and 3rd layer leadership to continue the good fight against imperialis­m.

“Zimbabwean­s should remove him & reclaim their country,” Malema tweeted.

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