Opposition fears further exodus of Zimbabweans to SA

by MARCUS MUSHONGA 
HARARE, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE’S main opposition has warned that the worsening economic crisis would have a negative impact on neighbouring South Africa, where a majority of Zimbabweans are fleeing.

Warnings by the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance come amid a crippling strike by doctors and industrial action planned by teachers as schools open on Tuesday (tomorrow).

The protests are the latest in a series of economic and political woes afflicting South Africa’s northern neighbour.

“The economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe is worsening. This affects our neighbouring countries, particularly South Africa,” said Jacob Mafume, MDC Alliance spokesperson.

He was speaking in the capital Harare where he briefed media about the recent visit to South Africa by MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa.

Chamisa met South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, to update him on the crisis in Zimbabwe.

Mafume said Zimbabwe was becoming a security threat to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

“The economic crisis has the effect of causing a burden to South Africa because of the exodus of people that are fleeing the worsening economy,” he said.

It is estimated 3 million Zimbabweans have sought refuge in South Africa following years of economic meltdown and political crisis.

Successive South African governments have been criticised for their so-called quiet diplomacy on Zimbabwe.

Then-president Thabo Mbeki, brokered a power-sharing agreement between the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and the MDC after contentious election in 2008.

– CAJ News