SA rolled red carpet for Mugabe amid xenophobic attacks

Robert Mugabe's state visit to South Africa last week, which came after more than two decades, was headlined by state media as a "Historic visit". Very confusing though, as it set a precedent, in that it has never happened anywhere in the world for a Head of State to visit a foreign country, for bilateral engagements at a time when his people are being threatened and attacked in the country he is visiting.

However, it doesn't surprises an average men in the street of Harare, because the relationship between South Africa and Zanu-PF has never been about the people of Zimbabwe. Its a relationship centered on Robert Mugabe, Zuma, ANC and South Africa, with Zimbabweans excluded. We have witnessed this through the attempt to censor the South African Judiciary report compiled by SA respected judges on Zimbabwe 2002 Presidential election, which convincingly established that Mugabe stole the 2002 Presidential elections. A report that questions the legitimacy of Mugabe and Zanu-PF, but South Africa chose to embrace them.

In 2013 flawed and Nikuved elections, President Zuma and his South African government, were the first people to endorse the July 31 2013 elections. The move shocked the world as they were endorsing an election that has by now never been endorsed by SADC, AU and other reputable institutions as fair and credible.

Mugabe's visit at such a time can be traced back to how he became a leader. He was not chosen by the people, he became a leader through subversion of the wishes of the people of Zimbabwe. The welfare and the pains being inflicted on his people will not bother him at all. That's why he chose to wine and dine in a country where Zimbabweans were being attacked for being Zimbabweans. If he was a leader chosen by the will of the people of Zimbabwe, that visit to South Africa could have been cancelled in protest.

What's historic about the African Union Chairman's visit to a country where an Ethiopian is burnt alive, for being a black African? Nothing historical about the SADC chairman's visit to a country where a Malawian child is being attacked for being an African. Shockingly, Mugabe chose to ignore the attacks and not even a word of condemnation came from him during his visit.

Amidst the xenophobic violence, Mugabe, to the surprise of many, was overwhelmingly cheered in Soweto by South Africans. A man who has compelled the same Zimbabweans they are attacking, to refuge in South Africa, as a result of his brutality and mis-governance. One wonders, if its a matter of ignorance or mis-guidance of some sections within the SA communities.

As black Africans are being attacked by South Africans for being a foreigners, recent reckless utterances by some South African leaders can not go unchallenged. If a leader can issue a statement compounded by hate of black Africans, what will be of an ordinary South African in the street?

Lft Gen Simbarashe Mujeye
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