By Rungano Dzikira

South African President, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe saying that it was impeding the country’s economic development.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Geneva, Switzerland this Tuesday, President Ramaphosa said, “We are calling on the world to relax or lift the sanctions altogether so that Zimbabwe can begin to operate in an economic manner with the capabilities that it has.”

“They are currently facing serious serious economic challenges and they can be assisted by the world if those sanctions are lifted. Many countries around the world have imposed sanctions upon them and is impeding on the country’s route to growth hence lifting sanctions is the only way that Zimbabwe will begin to recover,” he said.

This call comes amid talks between the Zimbabwe and S.A Government over the best way that the neighbouring country can assist Zimbabwe recover economically.

Concurrently this call comes in the wake of last week’s demonstrations against economic tumult, following an upsurge in fuel prices, leading to a sharp rise in transport cost, and the general cost of living in the country. 

Last year, President Ramaphosa made the same call to EU leaders at the 7th South Africa European Union Summit in Brussels, Belgium where he said lifting of these sanctions could aid in turning around trade in Zimbabwe and benefit the region at large.