Impact of Protests Against Mnangagwa on South Africa’s Landscape
Political instability in Zimbabwe due to calls for President Mnangagwa’s resignation poses challenges for South Africa. The influx of Zimbabweans seeking better opportunities amid economic desperation and heightened deportations reflects an urgent issue for South African public services. Internal party conflicts and strategic shifts in Zimbabwe’s governance prior to anticipated protests contribute further to the uncertainty.
Political instability in Zimbabwe, stemming from escalating calls for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign from within his ruling party, the Zanu-PF, poses significant challenges for South Africa. Despite higher unemployment and poverty levels in Zimbabwe compared to South Africa, many Zimbabweans view the latter as a promising destination. Recent reports indicate that deportations in South Africa have increased substantially, yet this has not deterred Zimbabweans seeking better opportunities.
One Zimbabwean vendor, Sothini Ncube from Bulawayo, expressed his frustration with the dire conditions in his home country, stating, “Why should I stay home when it’s clear 2025 and beyond will be a waste for me? I would rather go back to SA and take up menial jobs.” Despite holding an honors degree in psychology, he finds it difficult to secure suitable employment due to the prevailing lack of opportunities and basic amenities in Zimbabwe.
The situation is further exacerbated by South Africa’s announced nationwide clampdown on illegal immigrants and the increasing uncertainty in Zimbabwe due to ongoing political instability. Economist Stevenson Dlamini highlighted that South Africa’s public services and infrastructure may face significant strain as a result of migrating Zimbabweans seeking refuge from political turmoil, emphasizing that South Africa has historically struggled with unregulated inflows of Zimbabwean economic refugees.
Zimbabwe serves as South Africa’s most significant trade partner and a gateway to Africa; therefore, instability within Zimbabwe could adversely impact business relations. Internal divisions within the Zanu-PF emerged from a recent conference, where factions aligned with Mnangagwa proposed measures to either extend his current term or amend the constitution to enable him to assume a third term in office.
Although Mnangagwa has denied intentions to extend his presidency, he has not actively discouraged calls for constitutional amendments. Key opposition figure Blessed Geza, who sought to mobilize protests against Mnangagwa’s extension, faced expulsion from the party and is currently in hiding. He advocates for a governmental transition to Deputy President Constantino Chiwenga, who has yet to comment on the unfolding political developments.
Chiwenga has been criticized, with party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa describing him as unelectable. In response to potential unrest surrounding planned protests in March, Mnangagwa undertook rapid changes in leadership within the country’s security sector and dismissed several high-ranking officials, signaling his proactive approach to mitigate threats to his governance.
Recent retirements within the security forces, notably affecting the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe National Army, indicate a significant restructuring as Mnangagwa aims to consolidate power and prevent any unconstitutional efforts to alter the government’s leadership. These changes reflect a strategic maneuvering in advance of the anticipated demonstrations against his presidency.
The ongoing protests and calls for President Mnangagwa’s resignation in Zimbabwe could lead to increased migration to South Africa, underscoring concerns about the strain on South African public services. Political instability is further compounded by internal conflicts within the Zanu-PF regarding the presidency and the opposition’s attempts to mobilize against Mnangagwa. Consequently, South Africa must remain vigilant regarding the impacts of Zimbabwe’s political situation on its socioeconomic landscape.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
