Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cape Town (Agenzia Fides) - “If there is a change of government in Zimbabwe there will be a return en masse of about 700-800,000 Zimbabwean refugees presently in South Africa” said Scalabrinian missionary Fr. Mario Tessarotto, who has been in Cape Town for some time actively involved in assisting refugees and migrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Democratic Congo and Burundi.
“These Zimbabweans living in South Africa can't wait to know the outcome of the March 29 elections. I have spoken to many of them and they all said if there is a change of regime they want to go home ” the missionary told Fides.
“ Zimbabwean citizens in South Africa for political reasons, but first of all to escape hunger, are denied the refugee status which would give them economic assistance. They have no help at all. We Scalabriniani collect funds and material aid which we distribute through two parishes in Cape Town, where most of these people are living ” said Fr. Mario.
“South African tends to hide the presence of Zimbabweans and other African immigrants and only remembers them when there are clamorous events like that of the Zimbabwean citizen found dead on the door step of the home of the Internal Minister, where he had camped for several days asking for a residence permit” Fr. Mario told Fides. “Reading the local press I have the impression that South Africa prefers to almost ignore the elections in Zimbabwe, perhaps because the ruling ANC is divided with a wing close to Mugabe and another more pragmatic wing, sensitive to the needs of the world of business. It should not be forgotten that recent nationalisation of foreign industries decided by Mugabe, damaged several South African companies”.
The situation in Zimbabwe is however carefully watched by the countries of southern Africa which fear disorder and a possible masse exodus of the people. “Countries which border Zimbabwe have put their troops on border control alert” said Fr Mario. “A few days ago the defection of a whole Zimbabwe army battalion which passed into South Africa caused alarm with regard to a possible collapse of state institutions”.
According to the press in southern Africa Pretoria's diplomacy is trying to mediate among the Zimbabwean parties to find a solution. Reportedly South African Thabo Mbeki convinced soldiers loyal to Mugage not to intervene should the outgoing president not be re-elected. The local press said that on Monday 31 March the army was ready to take control of the main cities in Zimbabwe but the Army Chief confined them to barracks. This decision taken by one of Mugabe's staunchest loyalists, reveals a split within the regime, between an extremist wing and a pragmatic one ready for a compromise with the Opposition. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 3//4/2008 righe 37 parole 551)
