A high-level delegation of South African traditional leaders, led by Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, met President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare on Monday, where they condemned xenophobia while urging migrants to respect the immigration laws of host countries.
The delegation, which arrived in Zimbabwe on Sunday, included His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and King Ndamase Ndamase of the AmaMpondo, who also chairs the South Africa Kings Council.
Addressing the media after the meeting, King Ndamase said South Africa’s traditional leaders reject xenophobia and violence against foreign nationals, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence and regional unity.
He said traditional leaders have a responsibility to promote peace, dialogue and social cohesion across Southern Africa while encouraging responsible cross-border movement.
King Misuzulu also emphasised the need for migrants to comply with the immigration laws of the countries in which they reside.
According to remarks shared after the meeting, the Zulu monarch told President Mnangagwa that the historical and cultural ties linking communities across Southern Africa should not be used to disregard South Africa’s immigration laws.
To illustrate his point, King Misuzulu said he complied with all immigration procedures upon arriving in Zimbabwe, including presenting his passport at the port of entry, adding that respect for national sovereignty and immigration laws is essential.
The discussions also covered regional cooperation and migration, including a proposal for Zimbabwe to host a Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Minorities Summit to address migration challenges and promote social cohesion.
The visit comes amid growing concern over anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, where Zimbabweans and other foreign nationals have periodically faced threats of xenophobic violence.
The traditional leaders called for an end to xenophobia while reiterating that migrants should respect the laws and regulations of their host countries.
