The former leader of South Africa's opposition Democratic Alliance says the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is capable of beating the ruling Zanu PF party in crucial harmonized elections next year if progressive people team up and fight for free, fair and credible elections in Zimbabwe.
In a series of tweets, Mmusi Maimane said, “The solution to the Zimbabwean/South African immigration crisis involves us advocating for free and fair elections in 2023. The CCC led by (Nelson) Chamisa won 19/28 seats in the by-elections. Without rigging and violence @edmnangagwa has no chance. Next year Zimbabwe will be free.”
Maimane noted that South African cannot be involved in political issues in Cuba and Ukraine when the crisis in Zimbabwe is directly affecting the nation.
He said, “The oppression in Zimbabwe directly affects SA. We pay the cost in health facilities being strained, in labour disputes and it has sown seeds of animosity. That is why it must fall.
“Zanu PF is the regional cancer draining South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. It’s costing us. We cure a cancer by removing the tumor. By going through chemotherapy. Panado does not cure cancer. Some people are chasing cosmetic solutions. I am going directly for the cancer.”
Zanu PF spokesperson, Chris Mutsvangwa, was unreachable for comment as he was not responding to calls on his mobile phone.
South Africa has attempted over the past 15 years to intervene, with marginal success, in Zimbabwean issues. Former South African presidents – Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma - once engaged the late former president Robert Mugabe, who was toppled in a defacto military coup, and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change formations resulting in the setting up of a unity government in the 2009.