×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

'Only acceptable deal is for Mugabe to go'

Namhla Tshisela

Namhla Tshisela

Zimbabweans living in Johannesburg say the only acceptable deal in their country is for President Robert Mugabe to go.

Those we spoke to yesterday scoffed at the power-sharing deal between Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

Speaking at the Glenanda temporary shelter for displaced victims of xenophobia in southern Johannesburg, Meshack Sidhuna, 26, said he would return to Zimbabwe when the currency regained its strength.

"Things will change only when Mugabe is removed from power," Sidhuna said. "Only then will our money be worth anything and will our people get jobs, fuel and food."

Zimbabwe has the world's highest inflation rate, said to be 11,2million percent.

Mpumelelo Ndlovu of Yeoville was sceptical of Mugabe's motives.

"Maybe Mugabe realised that his reign was coming to an end and that people were eventually going to overthrow him," Ndlovu said. "The country is in a mess and transforming it will take a long time."

Bongani Ndlovu said Mugabe and Tsvangirai could never be equal. He said the opposition leader would be a lame duck leader.

"Tsvangirai will always be under Mugabe as long as he is part of the deal. Nothing will change as long as Mugabe is still in power," he said.

Mlilo Chauke was optimistic that the agreement would bring welcome change to the country.

"If both parties agree to work together the economy will grow and sanctions against Zimbabwe will be lifted," Chauke said.

"I will only go back when basic foodstuffs such as cooking oil and bread are freely available."

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.