CWZ opposes Ngobese-Zuma’s participation

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – A Zimbabwean civic organisation has strongly opposed reported plans by South African activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma to participate in a protest outside the Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria on Friday, accusing her of hypocrisy and arguing that her presence would be deeply offensive to many Zimbabwean migrants living in South Africa.

The demonstration is being organised to protest human rights violations in Zimbabwe and opposition to the constitutional amendments, including the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3), which critics argue could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure without a referendum.

Citizens Watch Zimbabwe (CWZ) President Patience Chard said her organisation unequivocally rejected any involvement by Ngobese-Zuma, alleging that campaigns associated with Ngobese-Zuma’s organisation, March and March, had caused fear, suffering and division among Zimbabwean migrants and other African nationals living in South Africa.

Chard alleged that migrant women had experienced difficulties accessing healthcare during anti-illegal immigration campaigns, while some children had their education disrupted after being prevented from attending school.

She further alleged that some migrants suffered intimidation, assaults, loss of property and displacement during periods of heightened anti-migrant tensions.

According to Chard, Ngobese-Zuma’s attempt to join a protest calling for human rights and constitutionalism in Zimbabwe was “the height of hypocrisy”.

“Who does Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma take us for? Our people suffered as a result of the campaigns associated with her organisation. We cannot accept her joining a protest that seeks to defend the rights of Zimbabweans after so many of our people endured hardship here in South Africa,” Chard said.

She urged organisers of the Pretoria demonstration to distance themselves from Ngobese-Zuma, arguing that her participation would undermine the credibility and objectives of the protest.

“It would amount to rubbing salt into the wounds of Zimbabwean families who believe they suffered during anti-migrant campaigns. We cannot embrace someone many migrants associate with pain and exclusion while we are demanding respect for human rights,” Chard said.

According to Chard, the group would instead welcome solidarity from organisations and individuals it believes have consistently defended the rights of migrants and upheld constitutional values.

“Our struggle is for democracy, constitutionalism and respect for human rights. We believe solidarity should come from those who have consistently defended those principles,” she said.

The planned protest is expected to draw Zimbabweans living in South Africa who are calling for constitutional governance, the protection of civil liberties and adherence to the rule of law in Zimbabwe.

Ngobese-Zuma’s response to the allegations made by CWZ could not immediately be obtained.

Migration remains a sensitive issue in South Africa, where debates over border management and public services have frequently been accompanied by concerns from human rights organisations about the treatment and safety of migrants.

Rights groups have repeatedly called for migration-related disputes to be addressed through lawful processes that respect the dignity, rights and safety of all people.

– CAJ News