SA can ‘expect mass influx’ of Zimbabweans – experts
A mass exodus of economic refugees from Zimbabwe is expected as the livelihoods of hundreds of civil servants have ground to a halt.
Experts have warned South Africa to expect an influx of “economic refugees” from Zimbabwe in the aftermath of a fuel price hike in that country which has led to violent clashes between protesters, civilians and the security forces.
While relative calm has been restored to the capital Harare, political activist Gerber Ngwere fled to South Africa over the weekend and told The Citizen he was expecting thousands of his countrymen to follow suit, in light of political tensions and “impossible” economic conditions.
The announcement of a fuel price hike, which effectively brought the price of a litre of petrol to R46, brought the country to a near standstill, with businesses halting operations as Zimbabweans found themselves unable to afford petrol and transport.
The ensuing violent protest action led to at least five deaths and over 200 arrests, according to activists.
Read the full story on: The Citizen.