President Emmerson Mnangagwa and South African traditional leaders have called for a regional approach to tackling migration and rising anti-immigrant sentiment, with the monarchs distancing themselves from xenophobic campaigns and urging peaceful dialogue across Southern Africa.
President Mnangagwa met AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and the Chairperson of South Africa’s traditional leaders, AmaMpondo King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase, in Harare on Sunday to discuss migration, regional cooperation and the role of traditional leaders in promoting peace and social cohesion.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, King Ndamase said the delegation had travelled to Zimbabwe to reassure Zimbabweans and the rest of Africa that South Africa’s traditional leaders reject xenophobia and do not support campaigns targeting foreign nationals.
“We came here to show that we are against xenophobia and that the leaders of the marches do not represent any of the royal leaders.”
He said those organising anti-immigrant demonstrations do not represent the views of South Africa’s traditional leadership or the country’s government.
“We are people who abide by the law, but the way things are happening in South Africa, we are not part of it.”
King Ndamase said the visit was aimed at promoting peace and encouraging governments and traditional leaders across Southern Africa to work together in finding lasting solutions to migration challenges.
“Our trip here is to show peace and remind all that, as Africans, we are one people. There are many ways to address issues, so our aim is to engage all governments in Southern Africa, as well as traditional leaders, so that we can all speak with one voice and talk as one family because what is happening now in South Africa, we don’t see it as a way to fix things.”
While acknowledging that undocumented migration presents genuine challenges, King Ndamase said violence and xenophobia could never be justified.
“We are not saying illegal immigrants are doing the right thing by coming to South Africa, but there are better ways to resolve this than violence and xenophobia.”
He said the royal delegation’s mission was to strengthen African unity.
“Our trip is meant to show love and peace and make Africa one nation.”
Before the meeting, King Ndamase had said the delegation intended to engage President Mnangagwa on regional migration, xenophobia and the role of traditional authorities in fostering peaceful coexistence. The delegation also proposed a SADC Regional Minority Summit to develop coordinated regional responses to migration and cross-border challenges.
Ahead of the visit, King Misuzulu’s private secretary confirmed that illegal immigration would form part of the discussions, saying the issue required engagement between neighbouring countries.
President Mnangagwa welcomed the initiative, with discussions focusing on strengthening regional cooperation, promoting peaceful coexistence and ensuring migration challenges are addressed through dialogue, respect for the rule of law and collaboration among governments and traditional leaders.
The meeting comes as Zimbabwe continues to receive returning citizens from South Africa following heightened anti-immigrant sentiment, with both governments and traditional leaders seeking diplomatic and peaceful solutions to an issue affecting millions of people across the Southern African region.