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BREAKING NEWS: South Africa Cuts Aid to Zimbabwe

by AlvarezGalloso | November 20, 2008 at 11:41 am

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The South African Cabinet has decided to suspend $28 Million Dollars in Humanitarian Aid as a response to the lack of initiative in the politicians in resolving the situation in Zimbabwe which has grown critical. South Africa has further stated that the aid will be withheld until there is a "representative government" in Zimbabwe.

This comes at a time when three deaths have been reported in Musina, Limpopo, South Africa secondary to Cholera. There have been outbreaks and deaths in Harare and different cities in Zimbabwe. The economy has also been in a freefall with the highest inflation in the world.

It remains to be seen whether the suspension of aid will affect Mugabe since it appears his hold on power is stronger. Again, an invitation is extended to anyone who wants to contribute to this unfolding story.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7739903.stm

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=68&art_id=nw20081120190847627C900388

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Paschen

at 22:29 on November 20th, 2008

South Africa has now it own dilemma to deal with and avoid major up rising, needing all it resources and no longer able to afford a troubling state like Zimbabwe as a nabber.

Good Post. Thanks for posting.

Miriam Mannak

at 13:18 on November 20th, 2008

It is sad that the aid has been put on hold, incredibly sad. But so is the reality in Zimbabwe. The problem with aid is that it is given from one government to another. And the Zimbabwean authorities led by Robert Mugabe have not proven to be very trustworthy over the past years. Neither have they shown compassion for the people. The chances of this cash ending up in the pockets of corrupt government officials instead of in the pockets of the ones who need it are therefore slim. So, technically, it does not make a difference whether South Africa gives aid or not.

Maybe things would have been different if there would have been a cooperation agreement between ZANU-PF and the opposition (Movement for Democratic Change). Unfortunately, this is not the case ...

Amy Judd

at 13:28 on November 20th, 2008

Zimbabwe needs a lot of aid right now, but I can see the reasoning behind the suspension.

Miriam Mannak

at 22:19 on November 20th, 2008

Yes, the people of Zimbabwe need aid. But as I agued above - the chances of them actually benefiting from the assistance are slim. Simply because the cash will end up in the pockets of someone with sticky fingers ... ..." So what do you do as a giving country that has a fair share of issues itself? Do you give Zimbabwe the money, knowing that it will probably never be used for what it was meant to be (helping people) or do yo say: "No, sorry ... Not this time". It is a catch 22 situation, I guess, but I think (how hard it must sound) that South Africa made the right decision.

AlvarezGalloso

at 05:32 on November 21st, 2008

Miriam: I would like to thank you for your observation of this situation. It is hoped that the leaders and opposition in Zimbabwe would come to their senses. The leaders of Zimbabwe are losing an opportunity to resolve their differences. South Africa made the right decision since what has been happening in Zimbabwe [next door neighbour] is affecting your country. I agree with everything you have written.

AlvarezGalloso

at 05:33 on November 21st, 2008

Thanks amyjudd for your comments. I agree with you.

Miriam Mannak

at 01:12 on November 23rd, 2008

Thank you Alvarez,

It is nevertheless a tragic situation. But I can understand the MDC as well. There is not point for them being in a government when their hands are being tied by ZANU-PF. Maybe, one day, Bob will come to his senses. Who knows. Maybe not. But hey, one is allowed to hope ...