Byo MP demands rescue plan for Zimbabweans in SA

Bulawayo North Constituency MP, Minenhle Gumede, has called on the Government to urgently coordinate efforts to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Zimbabweans from South Africa, amid renewed fears triggered by a fresh wave of xenophobic tensions.

The call comes at a time of heightened anxiety among migrant communities, following the circulation of disturbing videos on social media showing foreign nationals harassed and, in some cases, ordered to leave parts of South Africa.

The unrest has once again placed strain on relations between South Africa and other African countries, as governments grapple with protecting their citizens abroad.

Nigerian authorities have already confirmed that at least 130 of their nationals have registered for evacuation following the latest surge in tensions, particularly in areas such as Durban in KwaZulu-Natal.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Gumede raised the matter as one of urgent national importance, highlighting the vulnerability of Zimbabweans caught in the unfolding situation.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise on a matter of urgent national importance concerning the welfare of Zimbabwean citizens currently residing in South Africa. There are growing reports of increased hostility, intensified immigration enforcement and worsening conditions for undocumented and vulnerable foreign nationals,” she said.

“Many Zimbabweans, fearing for their safety and livelihoods, are attempting to return home with their belongings. However, some are facing significant difficulties and delays at our borders.”

Gumede warned the situation risks leaving Zimbabweans stranded between two countries, unable to either remain safely in South Africa or return home with dignity.

“No Zimbabwean citizens should feel stranded between two countries, unwanted where they are and unable to return home with dignity. These are our sons, our daughters, our mothers and our fathers who seek nothing more than safety and humane treatment,” she said.

The Bulawayo North MP urged the government, through the Ministries of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, to act swiftly in coordinating a response that ensures orderly repatriation.

“I, therefore, call upon the Government… to urgently coordinate efforts to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified return of our citizens. Measures should also be put in place to ease border processes and support arrivals in an orderly manner,” Gumede said.

She further proposed that authorities consider temporary executive measures to support returning Zimbabweans, particularly those without formal documentation but with verifiable residence histories in South Africa.

“This would allow, for example, returning residents, particularly those without formal work permits but with verifiable records of residence in South Africa, to access the same support and benefits ordinarily extended to returning residents,” she added.

“The measure of a nation… is how it treats its citizens in moments of vulnerability.”

Responding to the concerns, the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, said the situation was already receiving attention at diplomatic level, with Zimbabwe’s ambassador in South Africa engaging relevant authorities.

“The matter is under the direct attention of our Ambassador in South Africa, who is in constant touch with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage,” the Speaker said.

He also urged Members of Parliament to discourage irregular migration, emphasising the importance of proper documentation when crossing borders.

“You have to discourage our fellow citizens from crossing borders illegally… Nobody will stop a citizen desiring to go to South Africa… provided they have proper documentation and they will pass through the designated official crossing borders,” he said.

The latest tensions are part of a long-standing pattern of xenophobic violence in South Africa, often linked to economic hardship, unemployment and perceptions that foreign nationals compete with locals for limited opportunities.

While South African authorities have repeatedly condemned such attacks and pledged to uphold the rule of law, migrant communities continue to express concern over their safety, arguing that enforcement and protection mechanisms remain insufficient.

Last week, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, told senators that the situation was not new, although recent demonstrations had been largely peaceful.

“The situation in South Africa is not something that has started today. The fortunate bit is that the demonstrations that happened a day or so ago were largely peaceful,” he said.

Ziyambi noted that Zimbabwe has maintained ongoing diplomatic engagement with South Africa, particularly regarding the welfare of Zimbabweans living and working there under special permit arrangements introduced in 2010.

“As a country, we have had engagements with the South African government because we have many of our people there on a specific permit,” he said.