A new wave of xenophobia emerged in Durban recently when Zulu king, Goodwill Zwelithini, publicly called on foreign migrants to leave South Africa, saying they were occupying jobs that must go to locals.
It has spread to other parts of the country, particularly Alexandria.
“The (Renewal) team stands with the Zimbabweans who are in South Africa and indeed all the affected families. In particular, we mourn with the family of Naume Gurusa (41) who was killed needlessly under these appalling ferocious attacks,” said Elton Mangoma, the Renewal treasurer, in a statement.
“The team holds the government of Zimbabwe responsible for the economic meltdown that has caused our people to look for greener pastures elsewhere. In this regard, we urge the government of Zimbabwe to uphold its constitutional responsibility to create conducive conditions for the people,” he added.
He said President Robert Mugabe’s government was insensitive, corrupt and unaccountable and urged the African Union (AU) and SADC “to take bold steps to put an end to this potentially contagious scourge (xenophobia)”.
Mugabe is the chair of both blocs.
“The attacks fly directly in the face of the region’s efforts towards regional integration which is important for faster and easy trade and cooperation among the member states.
Mangoma said state repression had increased in the past few months and condemned the March 9 abduction of civil rights activist, Itai Dzamara, whose whereabouts remain a mystery.
He rapped police heavy handedness when it beat up people who were demonstrating against xenophobia on April 17.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms these violent attacks on unarmed civilians and human rights activists. It is paradoxical that the government would attack human rights activists who were protesting against the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
“Despite the fact that these protests were not directed at the government, the government still responded with equal fear and equal force. This shows that inwardly, the government of Zimbabwe is afraid and knows that it is responsible for the brutal attacks on Zimbabweans living in South Africa,” said Mangoma.
He accused MDC-T of working with Zanu (PF) to weaken rival opposition agents when it caused the expulsion of 21 Renewal MPs from parliament.
“The Renewal Team notes with disdain the recall of the renewal MPs from parliament by the MDC-T working in cahoots with ZANU PF.
“The recall illustrates clearly the fact that MDC-T is now in connivance with ZANU PF to shortchange the people`s struggle for change and democracy,” said Mangoma.
He said his party would continue to work with other democratic actors in pursuit of good governance, freedom, peace and economic prosperity.
Post published in: News