South Africans weigh in on Zimbabwean protests
POLITICAL analysts have warned South Africa not to turn a blind eye on rising tensions in Zimbabwe following deadly protests prompted by a 150% hike in the fuel price.
Chaos has erupted in the country since President Emmerson Mnangagwa raised the fuel price from R19 to R41 a litre, making it the most expensive in the world.
Protesters are demanding a price cut and a change of regime.
Political analyst Somadoda Fikeni said South Africa was well placed to intervene through Southern African Development Community structures as it would be affected by a “meltdown” in Zimbabwe.
“South Africa as a neighbour should be worried because we already have millions of Zimbabweans in the country. If there was a meltdown in Zimbabwe, it would have a direct impact on the South African economy.
“A better performing Zimbabwe would not only be an investment destination for South Africa but would relieve it from the pressures of the labour force in the country.
“Zimbabwe has deep structural problems that need to be attended to comprehensively,” said Fikeni.
Political parties and civil society unions in the country have also voiced solidarity with the anti-government protests in Zimbabwe, but condemned the use of military police against ordinary citizens.
Spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said: “The EFF extends its solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe who have taken to the streets to protest against the increase in petrol prices.
“We call on the government of Zimbabwe to respond to these demonstrations with restraint. We particularly condemn the unleashing of the military on citizens who are exercising their right to protest.”
Six people have reportedly been shot dead and many injured in the three days of protests. There were also numerous reports of military intervention against citizens.
On Tuesday, Zimbabwe’s government reportedly ordered internet service providers to shut parts of the web in an effort to curb anti-government protests.
The EFF said there were other methods of addressing protesters.
“A democratic government knows too well that military institutions are not entities used to respond to protesting, unarmed and defenceless citizens.
“To unleash the military is to treat citizens as enemies of the state who are met with excessive violence, force and death, as the military is death-driven, only to be deployed against those who are armed and sworn enemies of the people,” said Ndlozi.
South Africa’s government, through the Department of International Relations and Co-operation, said it was confident that Zimbabwe’s government would resolve the issue.
Spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mabaya said consultations were taking place and that measures were being taken with the Zimbabwe an government to resolve the situation.
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has also joined the fray and thrown its weight behind the protesters while condemning the use of violence against citizens.
Saftu’s Patrick Craven said: “As in South Africa, workers and poor consumers are being forced to bear the cost of a crisis for which they are not at all responsible.
“In both countries the economic crisis is the result of failing to escape from the capitalist economy bequeathed by the former colonial and apartheid regimes.”