Tinotenda Hove – Freedom Fighters for Change leader Michael Makaza has launched a blistering attack on Zanu PF, declaring that the ruling party has let Zimbabweans down as mass deportations from South Africa loom.

In a statement released on 29 June 2026, Makaza said he was speaking “with a heavy heart and a clear message” as thousands of Zimbabweans face being sent home.

“Today, our people are being chased away from South Africa. Men and women who left home searching for greener pastures, searching for bread for their children, are now hunted like criminals. Deported. Humiliated. Sent back,” he said in the statement.

Makaza questioned what awaited them on return, pointing to the country’s economic crisis. “They are coming back to a Zimbabwe with 96% unemployment. A Zimbabwe where jobs are a dream and hope is fading. A Zimbabwe where over 2 million of our own will be forced home to nothing. No work. No industry. No plan,” he stated.

He placed the blame squarely on government, arguing the situation was deliberate. “That is not an accident. That is failure,” Makaza said. “The ZANU-PF government has failed us! They failed to create jobs. They failed to protect our people abroad. They failed to build a nation where no son or daughter has to beg in a foreign land.”

The FFC president urged unity ahead of the next polls, framing 2028 as more than a vote. “This is the moment. This is the time we unite for a purpose. Not for tribe. Not for party labels. But for Zimbabwe,” he said. “2028 is not just an election. 2028 is a referendum on survival.”

Makaza said his party was offering the alternative Zimbabweans need. “Freedom Fighters for Change says this is the only change,” he declared, before stating: “This is the time for the people to speak with one voice: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”

He listed FFC’s grievances in a series of rebukes: “Enough of empty promises. Enough of deportations and tears at borders. Enough of 96% unemployment while leaders grow fat.”

Closing his statement, Makaza called on Zimbabweans at home and those returning from abroad to rally behind his party. “From today, FFC calls every Zimbabwean — inside the country and those coming home — to stand together. We will fight for jobs. We will fight for dignity. We will fight for a Zimbabwe where no one is chased away because home cannot feed them,” he said.

He ended on a defiant note: “They chased us out. Now we are coming back to take back our country. Power to the people. #WeMoveWithWisdom”.

Makaza signed off with the liberation slogan, “Thank you! Aluta continua!”