Harare chooses regional solidarity over retaliation as government reaffirms protection for legally resident foreign nationals
The Zimbabwean government has rejected demands for the removal of an estimated 25,000 South African citizens living in the country, declaring that it will not respond to growing xenophobic tensions in the region by targeting foreign nationals.
The decision follows increasing debate in Zimbabwe’s Parliament over the treatment of Zimbabwean migrants in South Africa, where concerns have intensified over anti immigrant sentiments, discrimination and periodic attacks against foreigners.
Addressing lawmakers during a parliamentary discussion on the return of Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa, Zimbabwe’s Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi stated that his country would not adopt retaliatory measures against South Africans residing within its borders.
The minister emphasised that Zimbabwe’s migration policy would continue to be guided by principles of tolerance, dignity and African unity, insisting that individuals who are legally present in Zimbabwe would remain protected under the law.
“We do not have a policy of chasing away visitors,” Ziyambi told Parliament, reinforcing the government’s position that migration challenges should not be addressed through collective punishment or hostility towards foreign communities.
The statement represents a significant diplomatic position at a time when migration remains one of the most sensitive issues shaping relations among African countries, particularly within Southern Africa where millions of people move across borders for employment, education, trade and family connections.
Zimbabwe and South Africa share deep historical, economic and social ties, with large numbers of Zimbabweans having travelled to South Africa over the years in search of economic opportunities. However, some migrants have faced hostility from sections of South African society, with foreigners sometimes accused of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public resources.
These accusations have periodically triggered xenophobic protests and attacks targeting migrants from Zimbabwe and other African countries, creating tensions between communities and raising concerns about the future of regional integration.
Zimbabwe’s refusal to respond with similar measures against South African citizens reflects an effort to prevent the escalation of anti foreign sentiment and preserve the principles of cooperation among African states.
The government’s position is also rooted in the traditional African philosophy of Ubuntu, which places emphasis on shared humanity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence between communities.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora revealed that authorities have screened more than 99,000 Zimbabwean nationals returning from South Africa for communicable diseases at border entry points.
He explained that the health screening programme forms part of measures to protect public health while ensuring that returning citizens receive appropriate support after crossing back into Zimbabwe.
The minister added that returnees living with chronic health conditions have been connected with local healthcare providers to ensure continuity of treatment and prevent disruptions to essential medical care.
The return of Zimbabwean migrants has become a major national issue as economic pressures, employment challenges and concerns about safety continue to influence migration patterns between the two neighbouring countries.
Observers say Zimbabwe’s approach demonstrates an attempt to balance domestic concerns over returning citizens with the need to maintain peaceful relations with South Africa and uphold international standards on the treatment of migrants.
The development also highlights a broader continental challenge, as African nations continue to confront the contradiction between promoting free movement and regional integration while dealing with social and economic pressures linked to migration.
Zimbabwe’s decision not to expel South Africans signals a commitment to avoiding retaliatory diplomacy and protecting lawful foreign residents, even as xenophobia remains a major concern affecting relations among African countries.
The issue is expected to remain part of wider regional conversations as governments seek solutions that address migration challenges while preserving African unity, cooperation and respect for human rights.
