CWZ condemns persecution of Zimbabweans

by AKANI CHAUKE
BEITBRIDGE, (CAJ News) – CITIZENS Watch Zimbabwe (CWZ) has expressed grave concern over what it describes as the worsening climate of xenophobia and Afrophobia in neighbouring South Africa, where thousands of Zimbabweans are living in fear following anti-migrant protests, while many of those returning home face further hardship at the Beitbridge border post.

The organisation said the plight of Zimbabwean migrants illustrates the difficult reality confronting many African citizens who leave their countries in search of safety, employment and better economic opportunities, only to encounter violence, discrimination and uncertainty abroad.

During anti-migrant protests that spread across South Africa on Tuesday, 30 June, businesses owned by Zimbabweans and other Black African migrants were looted, vandalised and destroyed, while some foreign nationals were assaulted or forced to flee their homes and workplaces.

CWZ President, Patience Chard, said it was deeply troubling that many Zimbabweans escaping persecution and economic hardship abroad encountered further difficulties upon returning to their homeland.

“It is heartbreaking that Zimbabweans who have endured intimidation and persecution in South Africa should return home only to face arrest and further persecution from the very authorities entrusted with protecting them,” Chard said.

“What kind of government fails to protect its own citizens at home and abroad? Our people deserve dignity, justice and the protection of the law wherever they may be.”

Chard said the continued migration of Zimbabweans should compel policymakers to confront the underlying factors driving citizens to leave the country, including economic hardship, unemployment, service delivery and governance challenges.

She argued that sustainable solutions required governments to prioritise infrastructure development, uphold the rule of law, strengthen democratic institutions, create an enabling economic, political and social environment, and ensure that public resources were managed transparently and in the interests of all citizens.

“The long-term answer is not for Zimbabweans to flee their homeland in search of survival. The answer lies in building a country where every citizen has access to opportunity, where the rule of law prevails, where corruption is confronted without fear or favour, and where young people can build meaningful futures at home,” she said.

Chard also appealed for national unity in confronting corruption, the alleged plunder of public resources, impunity and lawlessness, while expressing concern over attempts to amend constitutional provisions relating to presidential term limits without broad public participation.

“A constitution belongs to the people, not to a political elite. Any proposal to alter the supreme law of the land must be transparent, inclusive and driven by the will of the citizens, not by the interests of a few. Democracy flourishes when governments listen to the voices of the people and respect constitutional principles,” Chard said.

She urged Zimbabweans at home and across the diaspora, particularly young people, to participate peacefully in efforts aimed at promoting accountable leadership, good governance and national renewal.

“Our people have suffered enough. They face uncertainty in foreign lands and should never have to fear persecution when they return home. Zimbabweans, wherever they are, must stand together in demanding accountable leadership, respect for human rights and a future founded on justice, opportunity and hope,” Chard said.

CWZ said lasting stability and prosperity would only be achieved through accountable governance, respect for constitutionalism, economic reform and the creation of conditions that enable citizens to live, work and prosper in their own country with dignity.

– CAJ News