A photograph of an unknown man with his son held tightly under his arm while illegally crossing the border from Zimbabwe to South Africa has...
A photograph of an unknown man with his son held tightly under his arm while illegally crossing the border from Zimbabwe to South Africa has touched the hearts of many.
The image was captured in 2008 by Sunday Times photographer James Oatway. At the time, tensions ran high as Zimbabwe was embroiled in a political crisis which saw Zanu-PF unleash a tide of violence against members of the MDC, which had won the first round of the elections.
Communities based in MDC strong holds such as Bulawayo, were tortured, women raped and many killed once it was discovered they had voted for the opposition.
Although president Robert Mugabe went on to win the second round of the elections albeit disputed, his party continued to terrorise locals, illegally arresting hundreds and punishing MDC supporters by restricting food supply.
With close to a hundred shares and two hundred comments, the image proved popular on Times LIVE's Facebook page.
Phila Lindokuhle said she was touched by the courage the man had shown by taking his child with him. "The love of a father. This child will one day see this picture of his father and him/her and know that his father wanted the best for him/her. Where are fathers who would bend over backwards for their sons and daughters? I wish I had a father like this man and I wish South Africans were welcoming... Where has humanity gone to?"
Isaac Chauke agreed, remarking; "Well said my brother. We are Africans and neighbours. The government must get this guy and give him and his child residence and put this child at school for free."
According to BBC, thousands of Zimbabweans illegally cross over from Zimbabwe to South Africa every month. They brave the crocodile infested Limpopo river, the possibility of drowning, being assaulted by gangs along the way and starvation and thirst.
Mokgadi Antoinette Mokgalabone commented that she was deeply touched by the hardship the man had faced to get to SA. "This is sad and heartbreaking if this man's life or family where living a better life in Zimbabwe one thing for sure he wouldn't risk with his toddler to cross the border illegally. I pray the get a better life here in South Africa cos we are not Xenophobic but cry for our fellow bothers and sisters who struggle in other countries."
Philly Mabokang asserted that he was in awe of the border jumper's paternal instincts.
"This man is a real father. A true legend. May God grant u mercy and give u power to raise that baby without fear. I wish S.A men were this strong."
Kelvin Mutede and Emmanuel Motokozisi Mncube both said they were inspired by the man's resilience.
"Actually I'm inspired by the determination he's got to save his little one, it is unfortunate that humans are exposed to these conditions because of the greedy and stupid. I'm sure that by now nobody will be able to recognise him because a man as brave as him can not fail in an environment like this," said Mutede.
"Any parent with a child can relate.. that man must have been going through a lot in his country for him to make such sacrifice and taking risk with the child," lamented Mncube. Sunday Times
The image was captured in 2008 by Sunday Times photographer James Oatway. At the time, tensions ran high as Zimbabwe was embroiled in a political crisis which saw Zanu-PF unleash a tide of violence against members of the MDC, which had won the first round of the elections.
Communities based in MDC strong holds such as Bulawayo, were tortured, women raped and many killed once it was discovered they had voted for the opposition.
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| A Zimbabwean man and infant cross through the border fence into South Africa on Zimbabwe’s election day in 2008. This was at the height of the political crisis in Zimbabwe. Image by: James Oatway / Sunday Times |
With close to a hundred shares and two hundred comments, the image proved popular on Times LIVE's Facebook page.
Phila Lindokuhle said she was touched by the courage the man had shown by taking his child with him. "The love of a father. This child will one day see this picture of his father and him/her and know that his father wanted the best for him/her. Where are fathers who would bend over backwards for their sons and daughters? I wish I had a father like this man and I wish South Africans were welcoming... Where has humanity gone to?"
Isaac Chauke agreed, remarking; "Well said my brother. We are Africans and neighbours. The government must get this guy and give him and his child residence and put this child at school for free."
According to BBC, thousands of Zimbabweans illegally cross over from Zimbabwe to South Africa every month. They brave the crocodile infested Limpopo river, the possibility of drowning, being assaulted by gangs along the way and starvation and thirst.
Mokgadi Antoinette Mokgalabone commented that she was deeply touched by the hardship the man had faced to get to SA. "This is sad and heartbreaking if this man's life or family where living a better life in Zimbabwe one thing for sure he wouldn't risk with his toddler to cross the border illegally. I pray the get a better life here in South Africa cos we are not Xenophobic but cry for our fellow bothers and sisters who struggle in other countries."
Philly Mabokang asserted that he was in awe of the border jumper's paternal instincts.
"This man is a real father. A true legend. May God grant u mercy and give u power to raise that baby without fear. I wish S.A men were this strong."
Kelvin Mutede and Emmanuel Motokozisi Mncube both said they were inspired by the man's resilience.
"Actually I'm inspired by the determination he's got to save his little one, it is unfortunate that humans are exposed to these conditions because of the greedy and stupid. I'm sure that by now nobody will be able to recognise him because a man as brave as him can not fail in an environment like this," said Mutede.
"Any parent with a child can relate.. that man must have been going through a lot in his country for him to make such sacrifice and taking risk with the child," lamented Mncube. Sunday Times
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