The government’s position was made clear during a parliamentary debate on the increasing number of Zimbabweans returning home from South Africa, where recurring anti-foreigner sentiment and periodic xenophobic attacks have heightened concerns over the safety of migrant communities.
Responding to calls from some quarters for Zimbabwe to expel an estimated 25,000 South Africans residing in the country, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi rejected the proposal, insisting that Zimbabwe would not adopt policies driven by retaliation.
“We do not have a policy of chasing away visitors,” the minister told Parliament, adding that Zimbabwe’s treatment of foreign nationals would continue to be guided by the African principle of Ubuntu, which promotes humanity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Ziyambi stressed that South Africans who are legally living in Zimbabwe would continue to enjoy the protection of the law, regardless of developments across the border.
His comments come as South Africa continues to grapple with periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence, during which foreign nationals have been accused by some groups of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. The tensions have fuelled calls for stricter immigration enforcement and, in some instances, mass deportations of undocumented migrants.
As Zimbabwe prepares for an increase in returning citizens, the government says it is also taking steps to safeguard public health.
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora told Parliament that more than 99,000 Zimbabweans returning from South Africa have undergone screening for communicable diseases at border entry points.
He said authorities have also ensured that returnees living with chronic medical conditions are connected to healthcare facilities so they can continue receiving treatment without interruption.
Zimbabwe’s decision to refrain from retaliatory measures underscores its commitment to protecting legally resident foreigners while managing the humanitarian, health and migration challenges associated with the return of its citizens. The government’s stance also highlights ongoing efforts to preserve diplomatic relations with South Africa, even as migration and xenophobia remain sensitive issues across the region.
