South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York that targeted sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe were also hurting South Africa.
“South Africa continues to call for the lifting of the economic embargo that was imposed 60 years ago against Cuba. An embargo that has caused an untold damage to the country’s economy and the people of Cuba as well,” he stated in his address.
“The sanctions that are also being applied against South Africa’s neighbour Zimbabwe should also be lifted.
“They’re imposing untold suffering on ordinary Zimbabweans, but also have a collateral negative impact on neighbouring countries such as my own country, South Africa,” Ramaphosa claimed.
The remarks will not go down well with activists in Zimbabwe who feel his government is not doing enough to reign in President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his oppressive regime across the border.
South African opposition leader Mmusi Maimane took issue with Ramaphosa’s logic, insisting South Africa was actually suffering because it was supporting a “Zanu PF dictatorship.”
“South Africa is suffering because of Zimbabwe. Our hospitals are overwhelmed, our inner city buildings are overcrowded and people are dying,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is suffering because of a Zanu PF dictatorship. You @CyrilRamaphosa siding with the oppressor and using their rhetoric,” Maimane added.
Journalist and anti-corruption activist Hopewell Chin’ono also weighed in on the debate while challenging Ramaphosa’s argument.
“President @CyrilRamaphosa of South Africa was harping on about sanctions against Zimbabwe at the @UN yet here we have blueberries exported from Zimbabwe being sold in @asda.
“These African leaders have no shame or sense of proportion when they push their tired ZANU PF propaganda!” Chin’ono Tweeted.
Western countries imposed targeted sanctions on the Zanu PF regime under the late President Robert Mugabe over corruption, human rights abuses, election rigging and the seizure of white owned commercial land.
Despite promising reforms after ascending to power via a military coup in November 2017, Mnangagwa has continued the same oppressive policies as his predecessor.
What about corruption
Imhata
Poor governing and corruption in Zimbabwe affecting South Africa
No, ANC propping up of the corrupt and brutal ZANU PF regime is hurting South Africa. ANC is going to lose power because of this.
Reuben Kisstopher i am with you
This ZANUPF puppet has been singing for his supper
He needs brain surgery asap
Zimhino ungati ndiED.mazimeso saAkusiria.mazizheve saKembo.
This toilet seat nosed goon is exposing himself more to the whole world that he is propping up the despot in Zimbabwe and promoting the gold mafia while he is the gold leaf gang leader.
Uyu anogwara uyu
Corrupt zanu gvt affecting South Africa…. And Ramaphosa is bsy promoting rigging of elections in Zimbabwe, SA is going to suffer more in the next 5yrs bcz of this zanu un elected gvt
It’s Corruption and poor governing in Zimbabwe stop spreading lies
Nathie Nkoe u lie… Its the illegal sanctions
Sipho Radebe which one is illegal, abuse of human rights?
Nathie Nkoe then what do you gain for supporting them,zanu is enjoying the show because of them
Hayiya Masuku I don’t benefit anything but they must not hide from sanctions, we all know that the coz of all that is happening in Zim is corrupt government
Chachapiwa chicken inn na ED kkkk🤣🤣🤣
Tao Bin Botolo
CR7 is really a thorn in The flesh .He ignores all the current situation in our country and stil want to mislead the UN
Whilist the Gvt under sanctions can afford countless Landcruisers, GD6, Fordrangers & lsuzus Double cabs for its cares
Ahhh are u ok step dad
Ramaphosa is protecting his mines in Zimbabwe
Junior Kazondo yes otherwise
A very stupid president i have ever seen
They have to be slashed with sanctions for supporting human rights violaters
even if is lifted up it won’t change anything coz they have already tested milk& honey here 🤞
Was phala phala scandal caused by zimbabweans sanctions ? Stop stilling pples money then start to accuse zimbabwe,bcz every thing happened bad in south Africa, south Africans want to point a finger on zimbabwe,but why why why ?
– he’s sanctioning Zimbabwe himself this man, not the West!
ANC government sleep the same bed with brutal regime of Zanu PF
ANC AND ZANU PF ARE FRIENDS
Ramaphosa stop supporting an illegitimate govt!
ANC is hanting Zimbabwe