Build One South Africa (BOSA)
By Thabo Mosia
Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane has issued a stern warning to South African authorities, urging them to avoid repeating past mistakes made during Zimbabwe’s 2008 election crisis. His statement comes in response to Mozambique’s Constitutional Council declaring the ruling FRELIMO party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, as the winner of the recent presidential election—a result marred by allegations of fraud and subsequent unrest.
Maimane drew parallels between the current situation in Mozambique and Zimbabwe’s 2008 election, where disputed results led to significant political and economic turmoil, resulting in a refugee crisis that impacted South Africa. He cautioned that ignoring electoral irregularities in neighboring countries could have direct consequences for South Africa, including increased immigration pressures.
“South Africa looked the other way when Robert Mugabe and Emmerson Mnangagwa rigged an election in 2008, and it created an immigration crisis in South Africa,” Maimane stated. “Now we are faced with an election crisis in Mozambique.”
The Mozambican election has been fraught with controversy. International observers and opposition parties have reported numerous irregularities, including voter intimidation, ballot tampering, and the assassination of political figures. Notably, there have been allegations that individuals from Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF were involved in the electoral process, with some reportedly captured on video participating in voting activities.
“International observers raised multiple concerns about the election. The people on the ground raised complaints about the election. The internet was shut down, and the police brutalized the public,” Maimane noted, highlighting the oppressive measures taken during the electoral period.
Despite these concerns, South African political figures, including African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, have extended congratulations to Daniel Chapo on his electoral victory. Mbalula emphasized the importance of unity and development, urging all parties to respect constitutional processes. “The African National Congress (ANC) notes and welcomes the official declaration of Mozambique’s election results by the Constitutional Council,” Mbalula stated. “As a long-standing ally and partner of the people of Mozambique, the ANC reaffirms its respect for the constitutional processes and institutions that safeguard democracy in our region.”
Maimane criticized this stance, arguing that it mirrors the ANC’s previous approach to Zimbabwe’s disputed elections, which he believes contributed to regional instability and economic challenges. He stressed that South Africa’s foreign policy should prioritize the promotion of democracy and human rights within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
“If President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola lend South African support to the FRELIMO candidate Daniel Chapo, we will repeat the mistakes of 2002 and 2008 in Zimbabwe and enable denial of democracy in Mozambique, accelerating the immigration crisis in South Africa,” Maimane warned.
The aftermath of Mozambique’s election has been marked by significant unrest. Protests have erupted across the country, with opposition supporters disputing the legitimacy of the results. Reports indicate that security forces have responded with force, leading to numerous casualties. The unrest has also disrupted economic activities, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revising Mozambique’s economic growth forecast for 2024 downward, citing the instability and the impact of Cyclone Chido as major setbacks.
Maimane called for South Africa to take a proactive stance in addressing the situation, advocating for support of democratic processes and the rights of Mozambican citizens. He emphasized the interconnectedness of the region’s stability and prosperity, suggesting that issues in neighboring countries inevitably affect South Africa.
“A fire that burns next door is a domestic issue. A flood next door will eventually flood your yard. We must raise our voice to support the brave youth who are refusing to have yet another election manipulated in Mozambique,” he asserted.
The BOSA leader also questioned the South African government’s selective approach to international conflicts, pointing out its active stances on issues in Ukraine, Morocco, and the Middle East, while seemingly neglecting crises within the African continent. “We have taken a stand in Ukraine. We have taken a stand on Morocco. We have taken a stand in the Middle East. Why are we failing to take a stand in our own neighborhood?” Maimane queried.
He urged the ANC to prioritize the current crises affecting African nations over historical political alliances, implying that outdated loyalties should not overshadow the pressing needs of the present. “It does not matter if Fikile Mbalula wants to be best friends with ZANU-PF and FRELIMO. The ANC must recognize that they cannot put historical friendships above current crises affecting the people on the ground,” Maimane stated.
In conclusion, Maimane called for solidarity with the people of Mozambique, advocating for democratic integrity and cautioning against the repercussions of endorsing disputed electoral outcomes. “Let us keep Mozambique in our prayers tonight,” he said, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for conscientious engagement.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition 087🔴 Download the Latest Edition | Top Story: “Building ‘The Ngwathe We Want’:
Dr Mothamaha Drives Cost-Effective
Solutions with New Fleet Acquisitions”
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube