ActionSA on Tuesday welcomed the decision of the US government to lift sanctions against the Zimbabwean people, but welcomed the sanctions on Zanu-PF leaders, including those close to Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The US imposed sanctions on Mnangagwa for corruption and human rights abuses and the order also affects other senior leaders in the country – blocking their assets in the US and barring them from unofficial travel there.

The new sanctions replace a broader programme that was introduced two decades ago.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said the move would bring relief to Zimbabweans and reduce the pressure faced by South Africa owing to its close proximity.

Mashaba said the Zimbabwean people had suffered for too long under the “cruel leadership” of the Zanu-PF.

“The move by the US furthermore highlights how South Africa’s ruling party is partly to blame for the situation in Zimbabwe, having openly supported Zanu-PF leaders including Robert Mugabe and Mnangagwa,” he added.

He explained that South Africa’s support for the “cruel Zanu-PF”, and refusal to condemn the hundreds of political killings that have taken in Zimbabwe, have contributed to thousands of Zimbabweans fleeing to South Africa, which added additional pressure on the country’s already struggling economy.

ActionSA maintained that the Zimbabwean people had ”the right to go home and live in peace” under a government that prioritised their wellbeing and security.

“We will continue to work towards that goal, but the only way to see it implemented is if South Africans take action on the 29th of May to remove the ruling party from power,” he said.

Mashaba said that at the launch of his party in 2020, it was openly expressed that the people of Zimbabwe should not be punished because of the human rights abuses and corruption of dictatorial leaders.

At ActionSA’s inaugural policy conference in September, over 600 delegates from across the country adopted ActionSA’s foreign policy, which stipulates that when ActionSA enters government, the party will champion human rights in the region and globally.

Mashaba explained that an ActionSA government would furthermore use South Africa’s foreign policy to improve the lives of the South African people by strengthening relationships with key trading partners and improving cross-border trade.