ZANU-PF’s sham Zimbabwe election win typifies ANC’s failed “silent diplomacy” posture

28 August 2023

ActionSA believes the Zimbabwean Election Commission’s declaration of the Zanu-PF President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the winner of last week’s national elections exemplifies how the ruling party’s “silent diplomacy” has been an abysmal failure and has instead increased the humanitarian burden on South Africa.

There is no way the Zimbabwean elections can be declared free and fair, as confirmed by observers from the State of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with widespread reports of voter intimidation and cancellation of opposition rallies.

But, instead of demanding accountability from the Zanu-PF, the ruling party has chosen to support the murderous regime and has even previously provided millions of dollars in bailouts to the nation.

The ruling party has repeatedly allowed the Zanu-PF to abuse the Zimbabwean people, leading to thousands of Zimbabweans crossing over into our borders to seek jobs, healthcare and shelter in South Africa.

ActionSA reaffirms that South Africa’s foreign policy posture should favour human rights and encourage nations to become self-sustaining so that the nation may provide for the needs of its people. Our foreign policy proposals will be approved at our inaugural policy conference from 12 to 14 September 2023.

We cannot allow a situation where humanitarian disasters are created because the South African government favours murderous regimes instead of demanding accountability for human rights abuses.

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. The people of South Africa and Zimbabwe deserve better.

Issued by Herman Mashaba, ActionSA President, 28 August 2023