MDC Renewal says Zim government to blame for xenophobia in SA
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MDC Renewal says Zim government to blame for xenophobia in SA

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MDC Renewal Team Statement
1. Xenophobia
The Renewal Team is disturbed by the despicable acts of carnage that is being orchestrated against foreigners in South Africa. The team stands with the Zimbabweans who are in South Africa and indeed all the affected families. In particular, we mourn with the family of Naume Gurusa (41) who was killed needlessly under these appalling ferocious attacks.
The team holds the government of Zimbabwe responsible for the economic meltdown that has caused our people to look for greener pastures elsewhere. In this regard, we urge the government of Zimbabwe to uphold its constitutional responsibility to create conducive conditions for the people. President Mugabe and his government must seize themselves with resolving the economic crisis, creating more jobs and other economic opportunities, clamping out corruption and distributing the country`s wealth more fairly. Zimbabweans are smart, educated and hardworking people. Our country is endowed with enormous amount of natural resources to generate enough wealth for all of us. However, we are cursed with an insensitive, corrupt and unaccountable government and leadership. Further, we urge the African Union and SADC to take bold steps to put an end to this potentially contagious scourge. The attacks fly directly in the face of the region’s efforts towards regional integration which is important for faster and easy trade and cooperation among the member states.
2. State Repression
The Renewal Team is concerned with the rise in state repression over the last few months. The alleged abduction and disappearance of Itai Dzamara is unacceptable in a democratic society. The government of Zimbabwe is obliged to provide answers as to the whereabouts of Itai Dzamara. His family and children need him as he is the sole breadwinner.
On the 17th of April 2015, a day before the Independence Day, the police needlessly and severely assaulted ordinary citizens and human rights activists for no apparent reason. The affected included Dianna Nyikadzino and Sydney Chisi. We condemn in the strongest possible terms these violent attacks on unarmed civilians and human rights activists. It is paradoxical that the government would attack human rights activists who were protesting against the xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Despite the fact that these protests were not directed at the government, the government still responded with equal fear and equal force. This shows that inwardly, the government of Zimbabwe is afraid and knows that it is responsible for the brutal attacks on Zimbabweans living in South Africa.
3. Recall of Renewal Team MPs in Parliament
The Renewal Team notes with disdain the recall of the renewal MPs from parliament by the MDC-T working in cahoots with ZANU PF. The recall illustrates clearly the fact that MDC-T is now in connivance with ZANU PF to shortchange the people`s struggle for change and democracy. Why on earth would the MDC-T engineer and celebrate the reduction of opposition voices in parliament? Is it not curious that the MDC-T has decided not to contest those seats, after making them vacant, and allow them to be occupied by ZANU PF? However, contrary to the intentions of both ZANU PF and MDC-T, the Renewal Team has emerged much stronger, united and solid than ever before. Our MPs have demonstrated one of our core-values of selflessness. They have given up their seats for what is right and will now be fighting together with the party for the betterment of the people`s living standards. As Renewal Team, we resolved that we will not participate in these elections and call for proper electoral reforms to be implemented to allow for free and fair election.

4. Political and Economic Reforms

We pledge to continue to work together with other democratic actors in pursuit of human rights, good governance, freedom, peace and economic prosperity. In this endeavor, we will work with other opposition political parties, civil society, labor, students and the churches and indeed any other group that pursues these just, legitimate and non-negotiable demands.

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