Zanu-PF Member of Parliament Clemence Chiduwa has formally proposed that Zimbabwe expel approximately 25 000 South African nationals currently living in or visiting the country. Chiduwa argues the measure should serve as a retaliatory “tit-for-tat” response to the repatriation of over 100 000 Zimbabweans from South Africa since May, following a series of anti-immigration protests. The proposal, which aims to leverage diplomatic reciprocity, was immediately rejected by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who confirmed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa does not support the motion and remains committed to regional Pan-Africanist principles.
Government Rejection and Policy Stance
The Zimbabwean government has distanced itself from Chiduwa’s call for mass expulsion. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi stated in Parliament that the administration maintains a policy of welcoming visitors and will not adopt measures that contradict its commitment to regional unity. According to Ziyambi, the government views the movement of people across borders as a continuation of historical, familial connections that predate colonial boundaries. He emphasized that Zimbabwe remains committed to the principle of “Ubuntu,” which guides the country’s approach to accepting relatives from neighboring nations, including South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Botswana.
Did You Know? The Zimbabwean government has stated its intention to assist in the repatriation of over 70% of the estimated two million Zimbabweans currently living in South Africa. Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe described the initiative using a Shona proverb to signify that the government does not view the scale of the repatriation as an insurmountable burden.
Opposition Support and Diplomatic Tensions
While the ruling party has formally rejected the proposal, it has found support among opposition ranks. Citizens Coalition for Change MP Corban Madzivanyi backed the call for retaliation, accusing the South African government of failing to protect Zimbabwean nationals from xenophobic attacks. Madzivanyi alleged that Zimbabweans have been subjected to raids and harassment even when possessing proper documentation. He argued that the Zimbabwean government’s silence on the matter has been insufficient, suggesting that a reciprocal policy might force a change in how the South African administration manages anti-immigration unrest.
Potential Future Developments
However, the ongoing repatriation of Zimbabwean citizens from South Africa remains a central point of contention. As the Ministry of Local Government moves forward with plans to assist in returning a significant portion of the two million Zimbabweans currently in South Africa, domestic pressure on the government to respond to the treatment of these returnees may continue to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the basis for the proposal to expel South Africans from Zimbabwe?
MP Clemence Chiduwa argued for the expulsion of 25 000 South Africans as a “tit-for-tat” diplomatic policy in response to the repatriation of over 100 000 Zimbabweans from South Africa since May.
How did the Zimbabwean government respond to the proposal?
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi rejected the motion, stating that President Emmerson Mnangagwa would not support it and that the government remains committed to Pan-Africanism and the principle of Ubuntu.
Are there plans to continue repatriating Zimbabweans from South Africa?
Yes. Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe recently confirmed that the government intends to assist in the return of more than 70% of the estimated two million Zimbabweans currently living in South Africa.
How do you think regional diplomatic relations will be affected by these ongoing migration tensions?
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