Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has strongly urged Zimbabweans living in South Africa to go back home and vote in the harmonize elections set for August 23 this year.
“We call on all Zimbabweans who are here in South Africa to go back home and vote. If it means coming back, they can come back, they are more than welcome, but they must do the right thing and go and vote,” Malema said addressing journalists in Johannesburg.
The EFF has wished Zimbabwe well, as the neighbouring country gears for the tightly contested national elections in which President Emmerson Mnangagwa who rose to power in 2017 through a military coup, is seeking a second term in office.
“The elections mark a critical opportunity for the people of Zimbabwe to elect a government of their choice to uplift the nation from the poverty that defines what was once known as the bread basket of Africa.
“We call on the incumbent Zanu PF to resist the urge to practice violence against its political opponents, and any form of intimidation of citizens to coerce their vote.
“Zimbabwe needs to enter an era of political tolerance that is not defined by the history of violence and suppression, but the possibility of peace, prosperity and continental unity,” Malema said.
The firebrand politician is a staunch Pan Africanist and has advocated for the removal of colonial borders which have separated African peoples.