According to Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), the United States and the United Kingdom bear responsibility for the significant outflow of Zimbabweans seeking refuge in South Africa. Mbalula argues that a considerable number of Zimbabwean nationals have been compelled to seek new homes in foreign lands due to the multitude of challenges faced in their homeland.
Mbalula further contends that the removal of former President Robert Mugabe from power was orchestrated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his allies. However, due to their failure in implementing sufficient reforms, the populace rallied behind Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the largest opposition party, CCC.
In discussing these matters, Mbalula contextualizes them within the framework of Western geopolitical interests in the region, the imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwean leaders, and the 2017 coup that unfolded in Zimbabwe. He posits that Western powers could have readily intervened in Zimbabwe through Botswana, forcibly deposed Mugabe, and installed a leader who aligned with their own interests—an outcome that contradicts the objectives of the African National Congress (ANC).
[WATCH] ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula blames the U.S. and the UK for the mass exodus of Zimbabweans from their home country to South Africa.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/Z3rtBc6wAy
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 24, 2023
Mbalula suggests the plausibility of such an intervention. He asserts that Mnangagwa masterminded the coup against Mugabe, yet even if he endeavored to implement reforms subsequently, the people still favored Chamisa over him.
Do you really think the ANC heavyweight is right to have blamed the US and UK for the high influx of Zimbabweans in South Africa? Do you think South Africa will be able to endure the presence of illegal foreigners for another four years as the general elections is fast approaching.