South African taxi drivers protesting to forcefully open the Zimbabwean boarder side
The South African side has been forcefully closed by Taxi Operators saying the Zimbabwean side should open. This is to ensure that people go to Messina and shop thereby improving the business aspect in Messina. As of late all trucks are blocked.
Not so long ago South Africans were attacking Zimbabwean truck drivers. It seems the South Africans want to deal with Zimbabwean if there is something they benefit. Early January this year the Beitbridge boarder post was packed with Zimbabweans trying to back to South Africa after the festive season.
Many Zimbabweans on twitter have mixed feelings towards the incident. Here are some of the comments about the issue,
“They want Zimbabweans to come and buy food but don’t want us to work in S.A?”
“Taxis make money from Zimboz crossing to Mussina. Now they are starving. Without Zimbabweans Mussina is dead. Police,home affairs n soldiers they are broke”
“Zimbabweans have become a cash cow for South Africa no wonder they won’t help end our problems.”
South African taxi drivers protesting to forcefully open the Zimbabwean boarder side
“The last time we checked they called us makwerekwere they are killing our zim truck drivers coz they are saying we are taking their Jobs, why do they want us to open the border we smell we don’t know how to use roll ons.”
“I hate to admit it but Zimbabwe needs to open borders. We are poorer and miserable when locked up in this teapot. Covid is real but hunger and unemployment are “realer”.”
“We don’t need the border open for now covid is still very much there and we do not need a 3rd wave when our kids are starting school“
No doubt the COVID-19 lockdowns have negatively affected the economic situations in many parts of the world. However, risking a 3rd Wave of the virus is also a decision which requires much thought. Last year when people came from South Africa during the festive season, COVID-19 cases massively increased.