Mathema accuses Australian govt of trying to weaken Zimbabwe

Prosper Ndlovu Senior Reporter
BULAWAYO Governor Cain Mathema yesterday accused the Australian government of using divide and rule tactics to weaken Zimbabwe in order to achieve its regime change agenda. In an interview at his Mhlanhlandlela Government Complex   offices yesterday, Governor Mathema, who has been removed from the Australian sanctions list, said Australia should unconditionally remove all the sanctions it imposed on Zimbabwe.
He said his removal from the sanctions list last month was meaningless as long as President Mugabe and other Zimbabweans remained under the embargo.

Governor Mathema said he received a letter from the Australian Embassy in Harare on Friday notifying him of his removal from the travel ban.
In the letter, a copy which Chronicle is in possession of, Australian Ambassador Mr Matthew Neuhaus said he was now willing to work with Governor Mathema.

“I wish to advise you that your name has been removed from the sanctions list. I look forward to working with you to support further progress and reform in Zimbabwe,” read part of the letter.

However, Governor Mathema said Australia should change its attitude towards Zimbabwe if it was genuine about removing sanctions.
“I have received this silly letter from the Australian Embassy and I am saying no thank you. As long as President Mugabe or any Zimbabwean remain on the sanctions list it is as good as I am still there,” said Governor Mathema who is also Zanu-PF deputy national spokesperson.

“I never wanted to go to Australia or Britain because there is nothing for me there. Australia should know that their sanctions are causing suffering to Zimbabwe. Removing individuals is not enough because the economic sanctions are still there. These are murderous and genocidal sanctions.

“By removing some individuals and leaving others they are trying to divide us and make us fight each other. This is the old divide and rule tactic that they always want to promote.”

Governor Mathema commended Zimbabweans for remaining strong despite the sanctions and said Australia and its Western allies were now ashamed that their sanctions did not suffocate Zimbabwe.

He said Zimbabwe has demonstrated political maturity in its diplomatic relations in that it did not punish individuals and businesses of countries that imposed sanctions on it.

On 27 May 2013 Australian Foreign Minister Mr Bob Carr announced the easing of Australian sanctions against 65 individuals and three entities in Zimbabwe, saying the move was meant to encourage more democratic reforms.

Those removed included senior politicians, military personnel and Government officials.
The United States of America and its Western allies slapped Zimbabwe with travel and economic sanctions after the country embarked on a successful land reform programme.