I don’t think it’s a valid point to say Zimbabweans should be left alone to remove the autocratic regime. The people have seen the extent to which the regime is prepared to go to sustain its insatiable ambitions. Zimbabweans have already expressed their free democratic right and they have sent strong signals to the whole world that they no longer want Mugabe. The international community should intervene because we do not want to see another blood bath as that happened in Kenya at the hands of our current merciless governement.

More than any other country in Southern Africa, South Africa has experienced far reaching consequences due to the rapidly declining Zimbabwean economy. Remember, we are only separated by a border which in recent years, has proved to be very porous. All Zimbabweans from my community between the ages of 15 and 45 have entered South Africa through illegal means. Some never returned since 2000 and we are wondering if they have any plans to come back.

For sure, you can’t divorce the fortunes of Zimbabweans from those of their neighbours. We need more action from within and outside!