Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
09 March 2024 | 08:45 CAT

Image: The Zimbabwean

ActionSA has welcomed the decision by America to replace the two-decades-old sanctions against the Zimbabwean people and replace them with sanctions targeted only at Zanu-PF leaders, including those close to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said the move would relieve the Zimbabwean people and thereby reduce the pressure South Africa faces due to its proximity.

“The Zimbabwean people had suffered for too long under the cruel leadership of the Zanu-PF,” he added.

At the launch of ActionSA on 29 August 2020, ActionSA openly expressed its position that the people of Zimbabwe should not be punished because of the human rights abuses and corruption of their dictatorial leaders. The Zimbabwean people have for too long suffered under the cruel leadership of the Zanu-PF, and the lifting of sanctions against them will hopefully bring much-needed relief.

“The move by the US furthermore highlights how South Africa’s ruling party is partly to blame for the situation in Zimbabwe, having openly supported Zanu-PF leaders including Robert Mugabe and Mnangagwa,” he said.

He explained that South Africa’s support for the “cruel Zanu-PF” and refusal to condemn the hundreds of political killings that have taken in Zimbabwe has contributed to thousands of Zimbabweans fleeing to South Africa, which added additional pressure on the country’s already struggling economy.

ActionSA maintained that the Zimbabwean people had “the right to go home and live in peace” under a government prioritising their well-being and security.

“We will continue to work towards that goal, but the only way to see it implemented is if South Africans take action on 29 May to remove the ruling party from power,” he said.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Muallimah Annisah Essack and ActionSA Leader Herman Mashaba.