Demand release of Zimbabwean activists
Campaign groups in Cape Town have demanded the release of Zimbabwean civil society and opposition activists, describing their safety as ‘of grave concern’. Calling for South Africa to take action against ‘the Mugabe regime’, the group held a protest outside parliament to make the point that many Zimbabweans are refugees, not just economic migrants.
We demand the immediate release of all Zimbabwean activists. On 5 May 2009 Zimbabwean courts ordered the detention of 17 previously released Zimbabwean civil society and opposition activists, including Jestina Mukoko, Concilia Chinanzvavana, Chris Dhlamini and Ghandi Mudzingwa. The safety of these detainees is of grave concern, particularly given their public exposure of the torture, humiliation and violent assault they faced when they were first abducted. It must be recognised that they are in danger and that these actions place their lives under serious threat.
On 4 May, the South African government promised Zimbabwean nationals a 90-day visitor’s permit and the lifting of visa restrictions on crossing the South African border. We have concerns about its distribution and some of the details of the arrangement, but this recent decision seems to be a positive development. However if Zimbabwe continues to violate human rights in such a manner, South Africa is only dealing with the symptoms of the problems created by mass migration. The Zimbabwean government must face consequences; action must be taken by South Africa against the Mugabe regime. The new parliament of South Africa can no longer be seen to be standing by Zanu PF.
A protest was held outside Parliament (Plein Street, Cape Town) on Wednesday 6 May at 1pm, during the opening of Parliament. The protest makes the point that Zimbabwean nationals entering South Africa are not exclusively economic migrants, but are also refugees who are unable to return to their home country for fear of doing so.
We encourage media to cover this story.
For comment or information contact:
PASSOP (People Against Suffering, Suppression, Oppression and Poverty): Barbara/Braam, + 27 21(0)832561140
Zim Solidarity Forum: Sipho Theys, + 27 21(0)825000811
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition: Elinor Sisulu, +27 21(0)844024931
* Please send comments to [email protected] or comment online at http://www.pambazuka.org/.