Chronicle Editor
Rejoyce Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
THE illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West have forced citizens to migrate to neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Botswana and Namibia seeking greener pastures resulting in the restrictive measures impacting negatively on the entire Sadc region.
Some of the Zimbabweans who are forced to leave the country to seek the so work, end up worse off as they are subjected to poor working conditions, exploitation and xenophobia.
The illegal sanctions have negatively impacted on Zimbabwe’s economy as they have constrained investment, slowed down industrial growth and limited trade among other negatives.
According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), nearly one million Zimbabweans are living in the diaspora while more than 200 000 children were born outside the country with the highest being in South Africa.
Last month, the ZimStat director general, Mr Taguma Mahonde said there were 908 913 Zimbabweans living outside the country with South Africa having the highest number at 773 246 followed by Botswana with 47 928.
Chief Tshithaudze from Beitbridge said sanctions have forced many people from his area to seek jobs in SA.
“Many young people are leaving for SA to seek employment because few local companies are operating as a result of sanctions. This is the reason why there are more young people that have enrolled for this nurse aide course so that they go to Britain,” said Chief Tshithaudze.
He said some of youths go to South Africa without proper documents and when they get there they struggle to get employment.
Some are arrested or worse are found dead without any form of identification.
Chief Tshithaudze said some parents leave children alone in Zimbabwe giving rise to child-headed families.
“We are losing a lot of talent and skills as our educated children are leaving the country after failing to get employment,” said Chief Tshithaudze.
Chief Masendu from Bulilima District in Matabeleland South province said many people in his area are going to Botswana to seek employment.
He said some leave their children with grandparents who are now struggling to fend for the grandchildren.
Chief Masendu said some of the children were now being forced to drop out of school because the grandparents cannot pay the school fees.
The Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Community in South Africa, Mr Ngqabutho Mabhena said sanctions must be lifted so that Zimbabwe can realise its full potential.
“We stand opposed to sanctions and we call for their lifting so that Zimbabwe is able to grow its economy and create employment for its citizens,” he said.
Last month, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa told United States President Joe Biden that illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe have weakened the country’s economy and have a negative spillover impact on the Sadc region.
He said many Zimbabweans were leaving their country due to the sanctions, heading to neighbouring countries leading to what he described as “collateral damage.”
“We also raised an issue of sanctions on Zimbabwe and argued that sanctions that are imposed on Zimbabwe have a collateral damage on us South Africa in the sense that they weaken the Zimbabwean economy resulting in Zimbabweans leaving Zimbabwe in droves going to neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Botswana and Namibia,” said President Ramaphosa. — ReeSibanda
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