Mnangagwa’s Worst Nightmare: Zimbabwean Exiles Mobilize for His Downfall

Johannesburg, February 21, 2025 – In a bold and dramatic move, exiled Zimbabwean political activists Tabeth Chimhamha and Nyokaye Mabhumu have issued a rallying cry to their compatriots residing in South Africa, urging them to return home and take part in efforts to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government. The call, made during a press briefing in Johannesburg, signals a new phase in the ongoing political turmoil in Zimbabwe.

A Call to Action

Chimhamha and Mabhumu emphasized the urgency of collective action in tackling Zimbabwe’s deepening political and economic crisis. They argue that the vast Zimbabwean diaspora in South Africa possesses the power to drive real change.

“Our country is in dire straits,” declared Chimhamha. “It is incumbent upon us, as citizens, to return and contribute to the restoration of democracy and economic stability.”

The exiled activists believe that the growing discontent among Zimbabweans, both at home and abroad, can be leveraged to create a mass movement capable of challenging Mnangagwa’s grip on power. Their appeal has sparked intense debate over the potential consequences of such an uprising and the role of South Africa’s government in the unfolding situation.

Growing Political Crackdown

The activists’ call comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s political landscape is becoming increasingly repressive. With the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit set to take place in Harare in August 2024, Zimbabwean authorities have ramped up their crackdown on opposition figures and civil society members. Reports indicate that over 160 individuals have been arrested since mid-June 2024, with Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemning the use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment against detainees.

South Africa’s Position: Ally or Adversary?

Chimhamha and Mabhumu’s call to action also raises critical questions about South Africa’s stance on Zimbabwe’s political crisis. While South African leaders have largely maintained a neutral position, opposition parties have been vocal about their concerns regarding Zimbabwe’s human rights abuses. Some factions have even suggested cutting diplomatic ties with Mnangagwa’s regime.

Notably, South African political figures have previously urged Zimbabweans to return home. In February 2023, President Mnangagwa labeled the expiry of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) in South Africa as a “blessing in disguise,” encouraging returnees to contribute to national development. Meanwhile, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has also urged Zimbabweans to participate in their country’s electoral processes.

Opposition’s Skepticism

Despite the activists’ passionate plea, opposition leaders within Zimbabwe remain skeptical about the impact of returnee participation. Former Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has dismissed calls for Zimbabweans abroad to return and vote, arguing that electoral rigging and a hostile political environment render such efforts ineffective.

Chamisa’s concerns are shared by many Zimbabweans who fear retribution from the ruling government. With reports of systematic repression and election fraud persisting, the question remains: can a mass return of Zimbabwean exiles truly challenge Mnangagwa’s rule, or will it merely result in further crackdowns?

Regional and Global Implications

The unfolding crisis in Zimbabwe continues to draw attention from the international community. Calls to relocate the SADC summit from Harare have gained traction, with human rights organizations warning that hosting the summit in Zimbabwe would legitimize Mnangagwa’s administration despite its human rights violations.

As tensions rise, the role of South Africa and other regional powers will be scrutinized. Will Pretoria provide support for Zimbabweans seeking change, or will it continue its policy of non-interference?

The Road Ahead

The bold call by Chimhamha and Mabhumu underscores the growing desperation among Zimbabweans seeking a political transition. Whether their efforts will lead to meaningful change remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Zimbabwe’s crisis is far from over, and Mnangagwa’s worst nightmare may just be beginning.