Professionals 'needed in Zimbabwe'

2009-06-27 20:04

Johannesburg - While professionals are needed, it is still too early for many Zimbabweans to return to the neighbouring country from South Africa, Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said on Saturday.

"I do understand the concern of Zimbabweans who are here as economic refugees and as political refugees.

"The majority are economic refugees and until such time the situation back home improves I think you would understand, for economic reasons they would like to stay in [South Africa]," Tsvangirai told reporters in Johannesburg.

However, Tsvangirai said professionals were desperately needed in Zimbabwe for both their skills and for the money they had saved in other countries.

He lashed out at those who had become "too comfortable" in other countries.

"I am saying you have an obligation as a Zimbabwean to make a reconstruction contribution. You are too comfortable in other people's countries," said Tsvangirai.

"You want the comfort. You don't want to come and face the sweat and tears to contribute to the advance of the country."

Tsvangirai spoke to reporters at the swanky Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg. 

'Positive response'

The prime minister was stopping over in Johannesburg on his way back to Zimbabwe after a three-week tour of Europe and the United States.

The purpose of his tour was to repair the country's relationship with the West and raise funds for the country's reconstruction, as opposed to only humanitarian aid.

"I'm glad to report that we've had a very positive response from all the countries. We still have to follow-up... but I think generally, the trip has been very successful," said Tsvangirai.

While he was out of the country, Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe continued to lash out at the West and imperialism.

Tsvangirai claimed Mugabe's opinions were not relevant to his mission.

"I don't have to defend Mugabe and his position and his attitude toward the West or other countries. What I know is, as an inclusive government, we have adopted a policy of re-engagement," said Tsvangirai.

Government officials in Zimbabwe have also expressed disappointment that Tsvangirai had not had more successes in getting hard promises of developmental aid.

Some have suggested that Zimbabwe should approach China instead, a country which supported Mugabe in the past. Tsvangirai has not received many public offers of aid for his government. France and Britain have both promised aid, but humanitarian aid, to be distributed by Non Governmental Organisations and charities.

'I'm inviting you to come to Zimbabwe'

US president Barack Obama has also promised $73m but, with conditions. German chancellor Angela Merkel pledged humanitarian assistance but said additional, developmental aid would be connected to compensation for white farmers who had lost their holdings in land invasions over the past 10 years.

Tsvangirai promised that more reforms, including that of the land, would be forthcoming.

"We are committed to it [reforms] and we are taking measures to reform the economic and political situation in the country."

"So the reforms are not stopping, the reforms are accelerating," he said.

Other reforms in terms of the constitution, security forces, financial institutions, and national healing and reconciliation were among those under way, said Tsvangirai.

"You can go to Zimbabwe. I'm saying the proof of the pudding is in the eating. I'm inviting you to come to Zimbabwe," said Tsvangirai who also promised that reform of the media space was also imminent.

Presently, journalists reporting without the government's permission do so illegally and can be arrested.

"You want to come to Zimbabwe, don't come as tourists come as journalists," said Tsvangirai.

- SAPA