ANC rejects calls to move SADC summit from Zimbabwe amid crackdown on activists
The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling party, has dismissed calls from its coalition partner, the Democratic Alliance (DA), to relocate the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit from Zimbabwe. The DA’s request follows a series of arrests of activists and opposition members in Zimbabwe.
ANC spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi stated, “If there are any issues needing the region’s attention in Zimbabwe, they would be discussed in Zim, not away from it.” This firm stance underscores the ANC’s support for holding the summit as planned, despite growing concerns about human rights violations in the host country.
The arrests in Zimbabwe have drawn international condemnation, with human rights organizations and opposition groups alleging a targeted crackdown ahead of the summit. High-profile activists, including Namatai Kwekweza, a recipient of the 2023 Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize, have been detained, sparking fears of escalating repression.
Kwekweza, alongside three other activists—Robson Chere, Samuel Gwenzi, and Vusumuzi Moyo—was arrested by state security agents at Robert Mugabe Airport. They face charges of disorderly conduct and remain in custody, with their bail application set for Monday.
ANC rejects calls to move the SADC summit from Zimbabwe over a series of activists’ arrests.
Spokesman Zuko Godlimpi says if there are any issues needing the region’s attention in Zimbabwe, they would be discussed in Zim, not away from it.
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