The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr Amon Murwira, has assured Parliament that the Government of Zimbabwe will ensure its citizens in South Africa receive full access to health services, regardless of their circumstances.

Speaking during the National Assembly Questions and Answers Session in the Parliament of Zimbabwe on Wednesday, Dr. Murwira said the government is actively working through its diplomatic missions to safeguard the welfare of Zimbabweans abroad.

“We have our Consulate in South Africa, who are making sure that Zimbabweans in South Africa get health access,  no matter what,” he said.

The Minister noted that reports alleging that Zimbabweans and other foreign nationals were being denied medical and health services in South Africa had not been formally communicated to the Government of Zimbabwe.

“This issue of denied medical and health services to Zimbabweans and other foreigners has not been fully communicated to us formally, but it is being discussed by people who want to push their agendas,” Dr Murwira told legislators.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens wherever they may be.

“No matter where the Zimbabwean is, be it in prison or everywhere, we make sure that they get full medical services,” he said.

The remarks come amid ongoing debate around access to healthcare services for migrants in South Africa and concerns raised over the treatment of foreign nationals within the region.

The Minister’s statement underscores Harare’s position that Zimbabwean diplomatic missions remain actively engaged in ensuring citizens’ rights and access to essential services abroad.

The Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+) has expressed concern over the possible impact of Zimbabwe’s decision to discontinue negotiations on a proposed US$350 million health funding agreement with the United States.

In a statement released on Monday, ZNNP+, which represents more than 1.3 million people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Zimbabwe, warned that the move could put lives at risk if alternative funding is not secured.

The organisation acknowledged the Government’s responsibility to protect national sovereignty but said international health partnerships have played a critical role in Zimbabwe’s HIV response for decades. Support from US-backed programmes such as PEPFAR and USAID has helped ensure access to antiretroviral therapy, viral load testing, and treatment for advanced HIV-related conditions.

ZNNP+ said suspending negotiations could create a major funding gap that the national budget may struggle to cover, potentially affecting the supply of life-saving medication and support services.

The group raised concerns about possible treatment interruptions, warning that any break in antiretroviral therapy could lead to drug resistance, opportunistic infections, and increased deaths. It also cautioned that Zimbabwe’s progress toward the global 95-95-95 HIV targets could be reversed.

ZNNP+ further noted that health funding supports more than medication, including community health workers, rural clinics, and support systems relied upon by vulnerable populations.

The organisation also warned that rejecting US government funding could weaken trust with other international partners, including the Global Fund, the United Nations, and the European Union.

ZNNP+ has appealed to the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, to re-engage in dialogue and put the lives of people living with HIV at the centre of negotiations.

The organisation also called on the government to provide a clear contingency plan outlining how the US$350 million funding gap would be covered if talks do not resume, to ensure that no person living with HIV is left without treatment or support.

ZNNP+ said it remains ready to work with all stakeholders to help develop an agreement that protects national interests while safeguarding public health.

Everisto Zhuwao

Members of the public are being invited to provide input on the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill (H.B. 1, 2026).

Under Section 328(4) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, once the Speaker gives notice of a Constitutional Bill, Parliament is required to solicit public views. This can be done through public meetings as well as written submissions. The law further mandates that Parliament convene meetings and provide facilities to ensure that the public can participate fully in the consultation process.

The invitation represents an opportunity for Zimbabweans to engage directly in shaping the country’s constitutional framework. Citizens are encouraged to study the proposed Bill and share their views, either by attending public forums or submitting their comments in writing.

Parliament will announce dates, venues, and procedures for the public consultations to ensure inclusive and transparent participation.

This initiative reinforces the constitutional principle that democratic governance is strengthened through active citizen engagement, providing Zimbabweans with a platform to voice opinions on legislation affecting the nation.