Is Robert Mugabe South Africa's problem or not?

Question

I see a lot of questions in this forum on Robert Mugabe. And I may have asked some myself. But should we consider him a South African issue or not. And why do we talk or discuss him and his policies so much in the South African forum?

To Vango: I hear you, buddy! But I just came from a looooong dinner with some of the guys here in Korea and when I asked about Mugabe, they all looked at me funny! They didn't even know the guy! For you and me this is strange, but people from all walks of life and from different countries! Man...these guys didn't give a damn about Mugabe. So, why do we?

Answer 1

Porgie, having seen the downfall of Zim on a first hand basis, believe me when I say that SA is showing the very same "signs and symtoms" of that incurable disease. Whilst "SA" should not make Mugabe their problem, Mugabe IS an ally of Thabo. The farm grabbing issue was copied by Thabo, and whilst thousands of Zimbabweans are border-jumping everyday, who can explain the agreement between Mugabe and SA to accept as automatic citizens, all the Zimbabweans who had at least one SA parent listed on their Zim birth certificates? In that regard alone, thousands have become legal citizens of SA. So, I can say that, yes, Zimbabwe, Mugabe and Zimbabweans ARE going to be the final blow for SA if the people of SA sit back like the Zimbabweans did. Now, Zim is in the terminal stages but it did manage to 'sleep with SA' and pass on the virus! We are dealing with a 'virus', not a problem. However, I do not blame the Zimbabwean people for this. They have been forced to do whatever they can, however they can. About 3 years ago, numerous Zimbabweans were rumoured to have been crossing the border in Musina to 'buy' SA documents for a price. Not long afterwards, a huge load of forged documents were found and subsequently burnt, but again, thousands got away with theirs untouched. Does anyone remember?

Gunner2z, Zim..$ and I all got thumbs down already! Can't be anyone from Africa! Nevermind, I'ill just add the thumbs up again!

Answer 2

I don't think that Mugabe as such is an south african issue but what is a south african issue is the way that Mugabe treats his people and how the people suffer in his country because if their suffering they cross the borders illegally and makes south africa over populated and more people is left with a job with any income
The South african government now has to provided and take care not only for its own citizens but for the illegal immigrants as well

Answer 3

No Mugabe is not our Problem.

If you look closely at the people that make the most noise about Zimbabwe are whites even in radio and newspapers, why because Mugabe took away white farms in Zimbabwe or Rhodesia as they say sometimes.
These noisy white people don't give a sh!t about the black people in Zim they just care about the white farmers.

If they cared about human right violation they would be making the same noise about Swaziland and the DRC but have you ever heard anyone even mention those 2 countries NO.

Answer 4

He most certainly is a grave threat to South Africa not only because of the Human Rights abuses condoned by Mbeki but more to the point the economic affect a meltdown in Zimbabwe will have on South Africa. The more South Africa support him the more alienated they become from Western donors and trading partners. Here is the view of Tokyo Sexwale in an interview with the BBC a few days ago:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6653789.stm

Answer 5

Considering the number of illegl immigrants entering South Africa from Zim id say yes. Also theres always the threat of the onflict spilling over into South Africa. Theres a lot of human traficing coming into SA. Women being brought over to work as prostritutes. Besides if theres human suffering and we can help we should especially considering that zim did help us out in the apartheid days. Silence can be considered approval. if we do not do something or make it known that we disagree then whats to stop the same thing from happening here in South Africa. It only takes one precedent.

Answer 6

It's every human being's problem if a government anywhere tramples humanity. The SA government is probably in a better position than most to do something about it.

In 2004 I saw children in Zim fighting at a garbage dump with baboons over new trash, while Mbeki was sitting in his presidential palace pondering on his silent diplomacy. It broke my heart to see and as long as Mugabe is alive and unpunished it will be my problem.

Answer 7

Yes, it is our problem.

To be quiet while one has a tyrannical neighbour sends all the wrong signals.
The world understands this as acceptance.

And when our deputy president states that "South Africa can learn from Zimbabwe´s land reforms" then a lot of people kak in their broeks.

dWali, Commodor, General and others have already mentioned illegal immigration and most can deduce that this will have a knock-on effect on unemployment, crime, tax expenditure, housing requirements, hospitals etc.

Answer 8

The practical implications of having mad bob around is numeroud. A quick few I can think of:
1. Some locals think his land policy should be used as an example to us
2. We have daily THOUSANDS of Zim refugees flooding in SA. Many cannot find work and do what so many other refugees does, they get involved in criminal activities
3. our government provided financial support, maize, petrol at cheap prices etc. So it costs us in Rands and cents
4. We look like foold defending his policies and supporting him in UN

Answer 9

Porgie, those guy don't have him looming next door, and I bet their leaders would be outspoken against him if it came down to them being involved. Mbeki's quiet diplomatic policy makes Robert Mugabe's actions seem acceptable. it's like saying: he supported us so we're supporting him...even if he violates every paragraph in our constitution.
Isn't life usually about mutual benefit? I wonder what Mbeki's getting out of this?

Answer 10

sure. do no longer understand what proportion generations of ancestors you like on your united states of america of delivery to make it credible. some say only one. My super super grandparents have been born in South Africa, what am I if no longer South African? not sure with regard to the observe African - i think of it does consult with the place you're descendant from which i assume is Europe. yet on the different hand, i do no longer affiliate myself with Europe. there is no longer something in my kin's history that pertains to Europe and each thing that defines me is in Africa so why shouldn't I call myself African?