MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE
14 August 2014
PRESS STATEMENT
Issued by Honourable Senator Lilian Timveos, Alternative Minister and
MDC-T Spokesperson for Home Affairs.
MDC Welcomes South African Government’s Special Dispensation for
Zimbabweans But Calls for Action to End Crisis.
The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) applauds the South African
government for extending the Zimbabwe Special Dispensation Permits
(ZSP), but also for acknowledging that there is ongoing political and
economic instability in the country.
By extending the permits, South Africa has shown that she is a
neighbour indeed, spreading the spirit of Ubuntu espoused the late
Nelson Mandela.
However, as a party, the MDC would like to highlight the plight of
thousands, perhaps millions, of Zimbabweans operating illegally in
South Africa and call for normalisation of their stay until the
situation normalises in Zimbabwe.
We appreciate South Africa’s offer of meaningful support to Zimbabwe
so that we can resolve our own economic challenges and solve this
immigration issue once and for all.
The MDC urges the South African government to see this crisis as more
than just a wave of hapless immigrants attracted by SA’s bright lights
but as a crisis of governance in Zimbabwe and influence SADC and the
international community to act accordingly.
Thank you.
Issued By Honourable Senator Lilian Timveos, Alternative Minister and
MDC-T Spokesperson for Home Affairs.
