By Zukile Majova
Political Editor
Cyril Ramaphosa dedicated a portion of his five-minute address to the UN to plead for world nations to drop sanctions against Zimbabwe and members of the ruling Zanu-PF.
This is despite Zanu-PF recently claiming victory in a disputed election that was followed by intimidation and arrest of members of opposition political parties.
The president said sanctions against Zimbabwe should be lifted as they were imposing untold suffering on ordinary Zimbabweans.
“South Africa continues to call for the lifting of an economic embargo that was imposed 60 years ago against Cuba. An embargo that has caused damage to the country’s economy and suffering for the people of Cuba,” he said.
“The sanctions that are also being applied against South Africa’s neighbour, Zimbabwe. They should also be lifted as they are imposing suffering on ordinary Zimbabweans but also have a collateral impact on neighbouring countries such as my own country.”
Mmusi Maimane, the founder of Build One South Africa, attacked Ramaphosa on Twitter saying he was carrying the flag for Zanu-PF.
“Zanu-PF is causing untold suffering for ordinary Zimbabweans. From the Gukurahundhi massacre to the looting outlined in the gold mafia documentary to rigging elections and violating political rights,” tweeted Maimane.
“You are on the wrong side of history Mr Ramaphosa. You are making South Africans suffer because of your blind loyalty to this corrupt liberation party.”
He said Ramaphosa was more loyal to Zanu-PF than ordinary South Africans.
“South Africans are losing out due to the mass immigration of Zimbabweans running away from your friend Emmerson Mnangagwa,” he tweeted.
Meanwhile, political intolerance, intimidation and arrest of dozens of members of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change continued after the election.
Most recent is the persecution of CCC MP and councillor, Maureen Kademaunga who has been charged with attempted murder and malicious property damage.
Pictured above: President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the United Nations General Assembly
Image source: PresidencyZA
