By Advent Shoko
Former Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane has spoken out sharply against the proposed constitutional amendments in Zimbabwe, saying they threaten democracy and worsen regional pressures. Maimane posted on X formerly Twitter:
“This is utterly disgusting. As South Africa, we must be aware that the longer there is a brutal dictatorship in Zimbabwe, the longer we will not be able to deal with the immigration crisis in South Africa. We pay the price for the sins of ZANU PF, healthcare costs, policing costs, social tensions. We did not choose this. Unfortunately, the ANC has forced us to pay this multi-generational bill by giving family status to one of the worst political parties in Africa. We cannot be ‘forever yena’ with ZANU PF.”
Maimane warned that South Africa must cut ties with ZANU PF, pointing to African leaders like Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, and Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa as examples of “unscrupulous tyrants decimating Africa.” He stressed that the call of “iAfrica mayibuye” was for inclusive, fair democracy, not perpetual family dynasties. Maimane said:
“If ZANU PF falls, many undocumented immigrants will return to Zimbabwe. If Frelimo falls, they will return to Mozambique. We must not encourage actions that worsen democracy in SADC and Africa, especially when South Africa will pay the price.”
Maimane’s comments come as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, tabled proposed amendments before Cabinet on 10 February 2026. Among other things, they seek to extend presidential terms from 5 to 7 years and shift the right to elect the president from citizens to Members of Parliament.
Reaction among South Africans on social media was mixed. Some criticized Zimbabweans for relying on South Africa, while others argued that elections in Zimbabwe have long been flawed, pointing to SADC observer reports on the 2023 polls. Many warned that South Africa continues to bear the burden, from border patrols and food costs to deportations, as hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans live in the country, fleeing political or economic crises.
Critics also say that South Africa has historically enabled ZANU PF through its ANC ties, refusing to condemn violence or electoral malpractice in Zimbabwe, thereby worsening the regional impact.
This is just a reminder, whatever happens in Zimbabwe will continue to shape South Africa’s social, economic, and political landscape.
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