by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has faced criticism domestically and across borders following his visit to neighbouring Zimbabwe.
The visit comes amid renewed accusations of xenophobic and Afrophobic violence in South Africa, alongside concerns over constitutional developments in Zimbabwe that could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term.
Ramaphosa’s visit adds further tension to the Government of National Unity (GNU), formed after the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority nearly two years ago.
The ANC is in coalition with several parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The DA, unlike the ANC, is critical of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), which governs Zimbabwe.
Ryan Smith, DA spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation, condemned Ramaphosa’s unofficial visit to Mnangagwa’s private residence in Kwekwe.
“This visit takes place as ZANU-PF attempts to entrench its rule through the recently gazetted Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, which introduces far-reaching proposals to extend presidential terms under the guise of electoral and governance reforms,” Smith said.
Smith said the DA rejected any fraternising with authoritarian regimes and criticised what it described as disregard for Zimbabwean citizens facing persecution.
He added that it was “unsustainable and deeply unprincipled” for the ANC to maintain such engagements.
Ramaphosa recently described Mnangagwa as his friend, further fuelling criticism.
Zimbabweans remain affected by xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
The visit was also criticised due to Ramaphosa’s reported association with controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, among others, who face scrutiny in South Africa.
Analyst Kwena Molekoa criticised the timing of the visit, while Tasungurwa Mufumiri warned of reputational risks linked to political associations.
Ramaphosa’s office said the visit was a working engagement to discuss bilateral and mutual interests.
– CAJ News