Over 100 Zimbabweans and South Africans attended the seminar meant to inform people on the current political situation in Zimbabwe, revive activism and discuss ways of combating xenophobia.
Dewa Mavhinga, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Regional Coordinator, in his presentation noted that the Global Political Agreement had failed to resolve the political conflict in Zimbabwe as instruments of violence remained intact and polarization remained entrenched. He further noted that the proposed elections roadmap being developed under the SADC auspices had so far been rejected by both Zanu (PF) and MDC-T political parties, leaving the entire process uncertain and hanging in balance.
Unshakeable hope
On the constitutional making process, participants at the seminar indicated that they preferred a genuinely people-driven process as opposed to the current process run by political parties. Citing the recent violence and disruptions of parliament business by Zanu (PF) supporters who were not arrested, one Zimbabwean lamented that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to have a people driven constitution with the current environment in Zimbabwe of intimidation, state sponsored violence and extreme intolerance. One exciting thing that the participants shared was their unshakeable faith and hope for a better Zimbabwe in the near future.
The solidarity from South Africans in the crowd was so powerful as speaker after speaker urged Zimbabweans to be resolute in their struggle for democracy and justice. Turning to Xenophobia, most Zimbabweans in Durban expressed their fear due to the expiring of amnesty.
Dr Lucas Mogoetjana, the Provincial head of Advocacy [SACC] in Durban advised that a lot needs to be done at community level in South Africa as a way of cubing Xenophobia.
He said that SACC, together with South African Police in Durban, were going into the communities and show people the advantages of staying together as human beings – social cohesion.
Building understanding
He noted that SACC was using language and culture as forces for social cohesion, to build understanding and mutual respect and to dispel feelings that give rise to xenophobia, the fear or dislike of strangers or foreigners which is often acted upon in violence.
He noted that SACC had also resorted to use of South Africa’s constitution, laws and statutes to address the challenge of xenophobia and to promote social cohesion.
These sentiments were echoed by Gugu Shelembe, also from the SACC, when she described SACC’s cultural exchange programs and cultural festivals to foster social cohesion.
She noted that at the heart of xenophobia is the issue of competition for resources and power that is not equally shared, and misuse of language to promote differences.
SACC is engaged in community dialogues and capacity enhancements that include relevant government departments such as the police who come together to engage with communities.
The seminars came up with recommendations and mandated the organising committee to forward them to SADC, Zimbabwe government and South African government. On the recommendations, the people want a clear point of action of the South African government on undocumented Zimbabweans, allowing Zimbabweans outside the country to vote and increasing community based activities amongst foreigners and South Africans. – Tafadzwa Maguchu, Intern, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Regional Office
Post published in: Politics