THE South African government should bear the brunt of hosting Zimbabweans who fled the country because it was involved in the destruction of its neighbour, a group representing migrants from Zimbabwe has said.
The matter was raised by the Concerned Zimbabwean Citizens in the Diaspora, a coalition representing migrants, in a petition to the South African vigilante group Operation Dudula.
The letter was copied to Zanu PF, South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) and other groups accused of targeting Zimbabweans in xenophobic attacks.
The coalition said the challenges faced by Zimbabweans leading them to migrate were a result of the South African government’s involvement in Zimbabwean affairs.
“We, the citizens of Zimbabwe, write to you not in anger, but in truth, in pain and in the spirit of justice. Since the year 2000, Zimbabweans have been leaving their homeland in large numbers. This was not by choice but by force of circumstance,” the letter said.
“The formation of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) under the late Morgan Richard Tsvangirai — may his soul rest in eternal peace — was met with brutal repression.
“The Mugabe regime, deputised by Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF, unleashed violence, torture, intimidation and mass killings on innocent citizens, while Sadc and the world watched silently.”
The organisation said Zimbabweans did not flee because they were cowards, but that their leaders declared war against them.
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It further accused the South African government and Sadc bloc of playing a big role in the Zimbabwean situation.
“We cannot ignore the role played by South Africa and its leaders. Former President Thabo Mbeki, tasked with observing Zimbabwe’s crisis, infamously reported that there was ‘no crisis in Zimbabwe’.”
The letter read that in 2008, Mugabe conceded defeat and was prepared to step down, but those close to him urged him to hold on, claiming: “Let blood be spilled”.
“Indeed, blood was spilled —over 360 lives lost, homes razed, people maimed and families destroyed. Yet African leaders, including you Mbeki and President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, saw no crisis.
“Instead, Tsvangirai was forced into a poisoned Government of National Unity, which ultimately cost him his life."
It said many educated Zimbabweans had fled the country for survival.
“To South Africans and Operation Dudula, we hear the chants against us, the threats, the denial of healthcare, the hunting down of migrants and the walls of hostility.
“But let us remind you: during apartheid, South Africans fled illegally into Zimbabwe. Some acquired fake IDs, others smuggled arms for the liberation struggle and Zimbabweans sheltered, clothed and protected them. That was solidarity. That was sacrifice.
“Today, our pregnant women are turned away at clinics, your workers hunt down our brothers and sisters on the streets and your leaders echo the lies of Zanu PF while pretending to fight for freedom. Is this leadership? Is this Ubuntu?
“You speak of Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania as your allies in liberation — do not forget Zimbabwe. We carried you when you needed us most. Today, instead of standing with us, you hunt us. Your leaders dine with our oppressors while our people are left to die.”
The organisation said Zimbabweans were not Dudula’s enemies, but victims of a brutal regime.
“Zimbabweans are hardworking, resilient and dignified people forced into exile. We do not want to live as strangers — we want to live free in our homeland,” it said.
“But until our leaders are held accountable, until Sadc and South Africa stop shielding killers and looters, Zimbabwe will remain a bleeding wound, spilling into your borders.
“History does not forget. One day, when you face your own trials, will those you abandoned stand with you? We demand dignity. We demand justice. We demand the truth.”
