Ramaphosa challenged to confront Mnangagwa

Former Mt Pleasant legislator Fadzayi Mahere has called on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to take a bold stance and confront Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu-PF, over the political and economic crises that have driven millions of Zimbabweans into South Africa.

South Africa continues to face mounting pressure from an influx of Zimbabwean migrants seeking better economic opportunities, with many crossing the Limpopo River to escape hardship at home. The migration wave has fuelled tensions between locals and foreign nationals, often resulting in xenophobic violence and accusations that immigrants are straining public services.

Mahere said the migration problem could not be addressed without tackling its underlying causes - governance failures and economic collapse in Zimbabwe.

"Your Excellency, we must also deal with the root causes of immigration to South Africa, especially from Zimbabwe. Why do you believe so many Zimbabweans are running away? It was not always the case. What changed?" she asked.

"Respectfully - to what extent has South Africa, through successive administrations, taken an honest view about the Zimbabwean crisis? Unless these questions are addressed, you will most likely continue to have hordes of Zimbabweans braving high fences, vicious crocodiles, the vagaries of the Limpopo and your law enforcement in order to escape the bigger crocodiles back home," Mahere added.

Successive South African administrations have struggled to contain illegal migration from Zimbabwe, with policy interventions and deportation campaigns yielding little success. The continued inflow has also given rise to vigilante groups targeting migrants, often with deadly consequences.

Responding to the growing concerns, President Ramaphosa said his government was engaging directly with neighbouring countries to find lasting solutions to illegal migration.

"Engagements with countries whose nationals are frequent transgressors are ongoing through discussions with embassies, and these matters are also included as an agenda item on Bi-National Commissions. This is to ensure that the implication of illegal migration is understood," said Ramaphosa.

He acknowledged that illegal immigration places "a strain on social services and undermines national security," but warned against lawlessness.

"We should not allow vigilante acts targeting foreign nationals, as these do not solve the problem and undermine the rule of law," he said.

Analysts say Mahere's comments reflect growing frustration among Zimbabwean citizens and diaspora communities who feel that regional leaders, particularly in South Africa, have been too lenient on Harare despite years of political repression and economic decay.