Christine Lethokuhle Mabhena
Despite concerted efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states calls for the removal of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States and her allies, the Donald Trump administration has once again extended the heinous embargo by another year, thus putting a dent on the spirit of re-engagement.
Our brothers and sisters in the SADC region have been fighting tooth and nail for the removal of sanctions as they continue to hurt the ordinary Zimbabweans and also hamper Government efforts on the economy revival under the new dispensation.
Earlier this year, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, saying Zimbabwe faces “serious, serious, economic challenges, and they can be assisted by the world if those sanctions are lifted.”
In February 2019, SADC through its Chairperson, His Excellency, the President of Namibia, Hage Geingob called for the unconditional removal of the sanctions saying they were stifling Government’s efforts to transform the economy and bring out prosperity to the people of Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the sidelines of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) meetings in Harare last week, Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi joined other SADC countries in calling for an end to sanctions on the country opining that the lifting of sanctions will help Zimbabwe grow its economy.
Other notable figures from the region that have also added their voices include SADC Executive Secretary, Dr Stergomena Tax, SA Finance Minister Tito Mboweni and opposition leader, Economic Freedom Fighters president, Julius Malema.
Despite these pleas, it is disheartening that Mr Trump chose frivolous and vexatious accusations on Zimbabwe to extend the sanctions. He labelled Zimbabwe as “threat to the foreign policy of the United States.” The big question is; how can a small nation such as ours pose a threat to one of the so-called super power of this world?
Truth be told, the only threat that Zimbabweans pose to the Americans has been the reclaiming of their land and natural resources from the former’s minority white kith and kin. For the past 18 years, the US has been making unfounded allegations inorder to extend these illegal sanctions. It is very unfortunate that Mr Trump chose to ignore the positive developments ushered in by the new dispensation.
So there is nothing new to his latest stunt. Zimbabwe will continue to march forward with the support from our fellow brothers and sisters in the SADC region and beyond.
Last week, Botswana and Zimbabwe under the inaugural BNC meetings strengthened their political, economic, and social ties as they signed six agreements that will improve the welfare of the citizens of both countries. Botswana availed a one (1) billion pula credit facility earmarked for the Zimbabwe’s private sector.
Next week, President Ramaphosa is set to lead his delegation to Harare for another round of the BNC meetings between the two Southern African neighbours to set the tone for the political, economic and social co-operations in 2019.
It is from these mutual co-operations with friendly neighbours that our nation will shape its future. A big thank you to these SADC nations and individuals who continue to offer support to our country and also condemn the sanctions that have brought suffering to Zimbabwe and her citizens.
Going forward, the nation should cherish and make use of these mutual friendships to set the tone for the vision 2030- Zimbabwe to be a middle income economy by 2030, despite the sanctions imposed by US and her allies.
