ActionSA denounces Ramaphosa’s attendance of Zimbabwean President-elect Mnagagwa’s inauguration

4 September 2023

ActionSA denounces the decision by President Ramaphosa to attend the inauguration of Zimbabwean President-Elect, Emmerson Mnagagwa. Mnagagwa’s re-election has been mired in controversy, with numerous allegations of electoral fraud in addition to the banning of opposition rallies, reports of biased state media coverage and voter intimidation.

The Zimbabwean elections were neither free nor fair, as confirmed by observers from the State of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). But, instead of demanding accountability from the Zanu-PF, the government has chosen to endorse the farcical elections by sending President Ramaphosa to Mnagagwa’s inauguration.

Since the policy of “quiet diplomacy” of Thabo Mbeki, the ruling party has chosen to support oppressive Zanu-PF governments, and their abuse of the Zimbabwean people. This has instead compounded the humanitarian burden on South Africa as thousands of Zimbabweans have sought refuge in South Africa, and the hope of jobs, healthcare and shelter.

ActionSA reaffirms that South Africa’s foreign policy should be based on the respect for human rights, and championing peace and shared prosperity in the global arena. This includes taking a hard stance against all nations that undermine the principles of democracy and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

We look forward to tabling our draft policy on Foreign Affairs at our inaugural policy conference from 12 to 14 September 2023. In the interim, ActionSA will continue to monitor developments in Zimbabwe and lobby the South African government to take the necessary action to restore fundamental human rights in our neighbouring nation.

Issued by Herman Mashaba, President of ActionSA, 4 September 2023