Will South Africa let this happen?

This crisis is a result of hardships faced by Zimbabweans in Zimbabwe that has led to frustrations among the South African poor, who have been forced to compete with the immigrant populations for basic resources and employment.

In the recent past we have seen the ugly face of xenophobia, resulting in many deaths, massive displacement of the immigrant population and a large reverse migration of immigrants back into their poverty and war stricken countries. The South African police were unable to deal with the violence and the army had to be called in.

Zimbabwe’s June 27 run-off elections were the only hope of a peaceful presidential succession. The numbers of Zimbabweans migrating into South Africa had slowed down in the hope of a new president. There had been a reverse migration by a number of Zimbabweans, who had hoped to see the economy improve under new leadership.

In light of the withdrawal of Morgan Tsvangirai from the elections, we appeal to Thabo Mbeki to intervene immediately and to plan the return of the opposition leader into the presidential race. It is clear that violence has made free and fair elections impossible.

We fear that Zimbabweans will flood into South Africa, like never before, resulting in further frustrations among impoverished South Africans. The numbers we can expect, if the Zimbabwean people have no chance of changing their president, will result in massive bloodshed.

It is the worst possible time for a drastic increase in migration into South Africa; it could lead to war.

So what will we be left with, war in South Africa and war in Zimbabwe?

The difference between South Africa and Zimbabwe is that the government in Pretoria protects human rights, when these are attacked, where as in Zimbabwe the government participates in the abuse. Although in South Africa people will be faced with possible violence and poverty, it is remains an opportunity in comparison to Zimbabwe.

It is clear that for Zimbabweans, if Mugabe remains president, there will be no option but to migrate into South Africa. So we can only hope that Mugabe will be removed.