Young Zimbabweans call for unity to dislodge Zanu-PF’s hegemony

Young Zimbabwean activists have called on their fellow compatriots, living in South Africa, to come out of hiding and join the fight against the oppressive regime back home.

Today, they took to the streets of Pretoria to protest recent passport price hikes, which they say could prevent many young Zimbabweans from affording their documents.

A member of the Zimbabwe Youth Alliance, Tino Maclean, has described the harrowing experiences of young Zimbabweans who risk rape and torture attempting to cross the Limpopo River in search of a better life in South Africa.

He’s urged both documented and undocumented Zimbabwean nationals to return home and join the fight for liberation.

In a passionate plea, Maclean highlighted the dire situation faced by young people in Zimbabwe, with a lack of job opportunities, a failing healthcare system, and a declining standard of living under, what he calls, the oppressive ZANU-PF government.

The call for action comes after last year’s elections, which were marred by allegations of vote-rigging and voter intimidation.

The young people believe that free and credible elections in Zimbabwe could address the root cause of undocumented nationals fleeing to South Africa.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than a million Zimbabweans live in South Africa, excluding many others who have entered the country without proper documentation.

EFF members were also part of the pro-change protest outside the Zimbabwean Embassy.

They called for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s intervention, saying he’s also responsible for the current economic and political crisis faced by Zimbabweans.

Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa have raised concerns over the lack of commitment shown by SADC leaders to put an end to what they’ve described as an illegitimate government following last year’s disputed elections.

Concerns are growing as contentious Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is poised to take over the chairmanship of SADC later this month, a move some in the diaspora have described as legitimising tyranny.

Speaking at the demonstrations, EFF member, Kagiso Nkuna, called on SADC leaders, including Ramaphosa, to push for an end to anything that does not resemble a democracy. Written by Naomi Kobbie