Zimbabweans living in Namibia have expressed shock and disappointment at their embassy for requiring ordinary local and Zimbabwean citizens to pay $16 in order to see visiting President Mnangagwa, local online website, the Villager reports.
According to The Villager, it is widely known that the embassy is broke and is using President Mnangagwa’s visit to make money. The embassy had booked more than 300 seats at Safari hotel where Mnangagwa was set to address people.
A number of attendees were disappointed with some saying that despite having paid, they were not able to get access to the venue.
“We were made to pay N$200 but some of us have been barred. Others couldn’t come and we asked if we can get in on their behalf and they refused. When we are supposed to vote we do not pay, but for me to see my president I have to pay. This is embarrassing,” said one irate Zimbabwean.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is visiting his Namibian counterpart, Hage Geingob, before heading to Zambia.
It’s Mnangagwa’s third trip since taking office late last year. The two leaders are expected to discuss political developments in Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa’s strategy appears to be meeting with his neighbours first, to appraise them on the dramatic developments in Zimbabwe that led to his ascendancy.
“Obviously you realize there could be more sympathisers to the Mugabe regime who need explanation, who need a stand point going forward, who need assurance that the removal of President Robert Mugabe was meant for the better of Zimbabwe and not necessarily a victory for one of the political factions in ZANU-PF.” Alexander Rusero, a political commentator said.
The Zimbabwean president is also using the whirlwind regional tour to cement his position ahead of his first African Union summit later this month.
The 15-member Southern African Development Community has been an influential player in Zimbabwean politics – supporting the country during many long years of international isolation and brokering a government of national unity after the disputed 2008 elections.
“You look at 2000 onwards its only SADC which stood by Zimbabwe and President Mnangagwa is really convinced that once he receives legitimacy and acceptance art regional level then the region can be used as a springboard to the international community.” Rusero added.
During his inauguration, Mnangagwa pledged to re-engage with the international community.
The success of that process hinges on the conduct of elections due this year, which Mnangagwa has said will be free and fair. Close attention is also being paid to implementation of reforms meant to bring about economic recovery.
“It could come if the new political dispensation is sincere with what it is saying; if the political dispensation desists from speechifying and indulges more in action.” Rusero said.
Later this month, Mnangagwa will travel further afield to the World Economic Forum in Davos , the first time Zimbabwe will have presidential representation at the global summit.
