The Zimbabwean government has dismissed calls to deport an estimated 25,000 South Africans living in the country, making it clear that it will not retaliate against foreigners despite growing xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
The issue came up during a parliamentary debate on the increasing number of Zimbabweans returning home from South Africa, where migrants have faced rising anti-foreigner sentiment and repeated xenophobic attacks.
Responding to the debate, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said Zimbabwe has no plans to target South Africans who are legally living in the country.
He stressed that the government would continue to welcome foreign nationals who obey the country’s laws and said Zimbabwe’s approach would remain rooted in the principle of Ubuntu.
“We do not have a policy of chasing away visitors,” Ziyambi told Parliament.
His comments come as South Africa continues to experience recurring xenophobic tensions, with some foreign nationals being blamed for crime, unemployment and pressure on public services.
These accusations have led to calls for mass deportations and, at times, violent attacks on migrants.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora disclosed that authorities have screened more than 99,000 Zimbabweans returning from South Africa for communicable diseases at the country’s border posts.
He added that returnees living with chronic health conditions have been connected to healthcare facilities to ensure they continue receiving the treatment they need.
Zimbabwe’s decision not to take retaliatory action against South Africans highlights the government’s commitment to protecting legally resident foreign nationals, even as migration and xenophobia continue to influence relations between South Africa and other African countries.
