By Gift Mashoko

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa said that his country was behind Zimbabwe and reiterated that the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe must be removed.

Speaking at the South Africa-Zimbabwe BNC today in Harare, President Ramaphosa said he was pleased that the EU heeded his call and in February 2019 decided best to lift the sanctions on the part of the administration. However, he said he was expecting more than that.

“In support of your commendable efforts in February this year at the World Economic Forum, SA made calls for the international community to assist Zimbabwe and support the reform efforts that your government has embarked on by lifting the unfair and unjustified sanctions that have been imposed on Zimbabwe.

“We even addressed the EU and made this specific call. We are pleased that the EU heeded the call and on February 2019 decided best to lift the sanctions on the part of the administration but we want more than that. We want to see meaningful support being given by the international development partners to Zimbabwe, because Zimbabwe does deserve the support,” said President Ramaphosa.

Addressing delegates at the same event, President Emmerson Mnangagwa appreciated President Ramaphosa`s support on the call for the removal of Zimbabwe`s sanctions.

“Your outspoken support for the new Zimbabwe is not taken for granted. We understand that our success is your success. I exalt our two countries to continue to ward off the machinations of those who wish to break our strong ties.

“While our friends are many and their efforts appreciated, our detractors have a hand with their ill intentions against our people. This has seen us operating in an environment which is poisoned by the illegal, spiteful and unjustified economic sanctions that have been imposed against our country and thus violating the basic human rights of our people,” he said.

President Mnangagwa went on to say that, “The impact of these sanctions now extends beyond our borders. We therefore need to appreciate the continued calls by governments by you specifically for their unconditional removal.”

The US last month extended its sanctions placed upon officials and several companies in Zimbabwe. Where there are 84 people, including President Mnangagwa and 56 entities, on the US sanctions list.

Sanctions have unintended consequences, as they deny Zimbabwe access to finance from multilateral and private institutions, and affect the country's development.