The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Secretary for International Relations, Gladys Hlatshwayo says President Mnangagwa is misleading SADC.
This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s statements that he had been briefed by his Zimbabwean counterpart that the country was on a recovery path.
“The MDC is concerned by President Mnangagwa’s attempts to mislead regional leaders on the situation in our country. This follows a statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa where he indicated that he had been briefed by Emmerson Mnangagwa that Zimbabwe is now on the road to recovery” said Hlatshwayo
She said contrary to what Mnangagwa was saying the situation had gone worse.
“This was despite the fact that he had gone with a begging bowl to South Africa for electricity as a result of the incessant and crippling power cuts bedevilling the nation. It is our considered view that contrary to Mr Mnangagwa’s view, Zimbabwe is far off the road to recovery. If anything, the situation has gotten worse” she said
Hlatshwayo said the economic situation has deteriorated as evidenced by skyrocketing prices, shortages of basic commodities including bread and fuel, power cuts, water rationing and the erosion of salaries owing to hyperinflation.
In the wake of arrests of opposition figures Hlatshwayo said it was a first that such serious charges have been dished out.
“The democratic space is shrinking by the day as the current military government is moving in to thwart dissent. A record breaking 21 opposition, labour and civic leaders are currently facing trumped up charges of subversion. This is the first time since independence that such serious charges have been so generously dished out” she said
Hlatshwayo said the current challenges are as a result of legitimacy and that there was need for a genuine political dialogue.
“The MDC asserts that the socio-economic challenges are a manifestation of the crisis of legitimacy, borne out of the 2018 disputed elections that failed the credibility test.
“The MDC therefore strongly insists on the urgent need for a political solution anchored on genuine, inclusive, mediated dialogue that is underwritten by the international community” said Hlatshwayo
She added “Such a dialogue must ensure the return to legitimacy, a comprehensive reform agenda, economic recovery, a national healing program and international re-engagement. It is only when the above mentioned requisite measures are put in place that Zimbabwe can be on the road to recovery.
