Kawana defends Zim influx
Zimbabweans fleeing to neighbouring countries - including Namibia - should not be seen as a burden, but as an opportunity for fellow Africans to assist “a neighbour whose house is on fireâ€.
These were the words of Minister of Presidential Affairs Albert Kawana, who said during the armed liberation struggle Zimbabweans sacrificed to support their neighbours in need.
Kawana's remarks came hot on the heels of President Hifikepunye Pohamba's appeal at the United Nations last week that illegal Western sanctions should be lifted as they had left many citizens of that country in massive economic crisis.
“Lots of people from that country suffered for supporting liberation movements from African countries, including Namibia. Even people from Zambia suffered the same,†said Kawana, who spoke in his personal capacity.
He stressed that during that time Zimbabweans never wavered in their support of Namibians who were fighting to liberate this country.
“We can never repay what they did for us during our time of need. Nothing is worth their sacrifices, so why must they be a burden to us?†he questioned.
“We need to support them because there is hardship in that country. They also helped us.â€
According to him, another reason why Zimbabweans should not be seen as a burden is because countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are talking about regional integration.
“We are talking about one currency, free movement and if we do not implement these we will return to the stone-age level.â€
Kawana further said Zimbabweans have many skills that Namibians are making use of in exchange for low pay.
“They are not exploiting us; we are in fact the ones who are exploiting them.â€
He added that the economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West are not in the interest of that country, SADC and Africa.
“We are calling for the situation to normalise. That is what I am calling for and what President [Hifikepunye] Pohamba is calling for.â€
It is estimated that there are millions of Zimbabweans living abroad because of economic conditions in their country. Many are illegal immigrants in other countries.
Zimbabweans can be found in Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Meanwhile, a Zimbabwean national who studies in Windhoek says Namibians have nothing to fear about the presence of his countrymen.
“This country has a very strict foreign policy in terms of employment. It is only a few Zimbabweans who occupy formal positions; most of them are vendors,†said the Zimbabwean, who preferred anonymity.
“We are not a threat to their jobs or a burden to this country because Namibians also need us. This country also needs foreign expertise.
“Zimbabweans are highly trained in the areas of education and health, in which many Namibians lack.â€
The student feels that the question whether they compete with Namibians for opportunities will be best answered by Namibians.
“Zimbabweans create their own products and sell them, not taking anyone's job away. They create their own jobs and add value to the economy of this country.â€
He added that Western sanctions can be blamed for the exodus of people from Zimbabwe in search of greener pastures. The sanctions include travel restrictions on 113 individual Zimbabweans and financial restrictions on 70 entities linked to the ruling Zanu-PF party.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article