The Africa Report

Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
05 September 2023 | 11:00am SAST
2-min read

Picture: Radio Islam International

During this week’s edition of The Africa Report, focus was on Zimbabwe, where recent developments surrounding President Mnangagwa’s inauguration have raised questions about the nation’s political landscape and its impact on the region.

Dr Ruhanya Pedzisai, director of the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute, provided valuable insights into the situation.

President Mnangagwa’s inauguration proceeded without disruptions, as the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change chose not to challenge the election results in the constitutional court. However, the event was notably low-key, with only three SADC heads of state in attendance.

Dr Pedzisai noted that the absence of international leaders from Europe, Asia, and other regions underscored the disputes surrounding the election process. The SADC reported that the election did not meet constitutional and democratic standards.

The opposition parties in Zimbabwe are seeking support from regional bodies like the SADC and the African Union to declare the election invalid, citing manipulation and violations of electoral laws according to Dr Pedzisai. However, it is challenging for any country or region to nullify an election post-inauguration.

Zimbabwe faces a dual challenge of government illegitimacy due to election disputes and an unfair electoral context, Dr Pedzisai said. This situation hampers the government’s ability to address the country’s pressing issues.

President Ramaphosa’s attendance at the inauguration reflects South Africa’s geopolitical interests in a stable Zimbabwe. However, the lack of political legitimacy in Zimbabwe poses economic challenges for South Africa, as Zimbabweans seek opportunities and jobs across the border. Dr Pedzisai observed that the failure to address Zimbabwe’s economic crisis has led to a significant influx of Zimbabwean immigrants into South Africa, exacerbating the immigration problem in the region.

“The idea that ZANUPF wants marketisation of the economy without democratisation or under authoritarian tutelage has failed. And because of lack of liberalisation of our politics, economic liberalisation will not succeed. As a result, South Africa is faced with a huge problem of immigrants.”

South Africa’s decision to attend the inauguration is also influenced by its own political challenges, as it faces the possibility of a coalition government. This may lead South Africa to seek support from neighbouring countries in the region.

“It is probable that the ANC may not get the 50% mark in order to govern its own… So Ramaphosa would want the support of Mnangagwa and these other rogue regimes in the region if he does something ungood in South Africa.”

There are allegations of bribery involving South African elites receiving benefits from the Zimbabwean government in exchange for political support.

Dr Pedzisai also briefly discussed the coup in Gabon. He drew parallels between the coup in Gabon and what transpired in Zimbabwe in 2017. At that time, there was widespread celebration when Robert Mugabe was removed from power. However, the subsequent leadership did not bring about the anticipated improvements, and in some aspects, it was perceived as even worse than the previous regime.

In Gabon, the initial optimism that followed the removal of Ali Bongo, but it appears that the new leadership does not represent a significant departure from the Bongo family’s rule. Dr Pedzisai recommends that the African Union establish democratic norms across the region to address the growing desperation and lack of hope among people.

Listen to the Africa Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaiman Ravat.