By George Matlala
President Robert Mugabe has conceded that the political problems in Zimbabwe have led to his people coming to South Africa in droves thus putting pressure on the country’s economy and resources.
Mugabe yesterday told the media in Pretoria that part of the agreement he signed with his counterpart, President Jacob Zuma, was to put systems in place to deal with migration between the two countries.
“There are problems that must be resolved. Many move without passports to South Africa, jumping our border thinking there is lots of work in Johannesburg.
“We must discuss that. We must find ways of controlling people,” Mugabe said.
“Labour can move on a visa basis. We can have trained workers and businesspeople moving, yes. People of SA I want to say thank you for the hospitality. We owe you not just a gesture of thankfulness, which we must express.
“We owe that thankfulness for the tolerance on the part of the government here as our people … jumping the border, disturbing the social system.”
Mugabe was speaking at a press conference at the Union Buildings during the second day of his state visit. The Zimbabwean leader last visited South Africa 21 years ago.
Mugabe’s comments came as locals embarked on sporadic attacks on businesses and shops owned by foreigners.
Zimbabweans, who fled in their millions into South Africa fearing Mugabe’s repressive regime, were also victims of the xenophobic attacks.
Zuma said South Africa had signed an agreement that will see the country getting water from Zimbabwe and a customs agreement that will ensure a smoother passage of Zimbabwean goods and services at points of entry into South Africa.
South Africa will also work with Zimbabwe on security in the wake of the brutal massacre of students at a Kenyan university recently. The two leaders condemned the incident.
“We are united in our determination to work for peace and stability in every corner of Africa,” Zuma said.
He added that Mugabe’s visit would also enhance relations between the two countries.
The relations between the two took a knock when Mugabe started taking away white-owned land in Zimbabwe, leading to the economic crisis.
Former president Thabo Mbeki was blamed for the way he handled the Zimbabwean crisis while Zuma is credited with a tougher hand on Mugabe.
But Mugabe, current Southern African Development Community chairman, will not stop his indigenisation programme in which foreign companies that exploit Zimbabwe’s natural resources have to give up 51% of ownership to the state.
Mugabe and Zuma also signed other agreements that will revive and enhance the relationship between the two neighbours and improve business ties. Sowetan
