‘Xenophobia is not who we are’: South African traditional leaders reassure Zimbabweans amid protests
· The South African
South Africa’s traditional leaders have sought to reassure Zimbabweans and other African nationals that the recent wave of xenophobic violence does not reflect the values of the country’s people, government or traditional leadership.
Leading a regional peace mission in Zimbabwe, Chairperson of the South Africa Kings Council, King Ndamase Ndamase, said the delegation had travelled to Zimbabwe to promote unity, strengthen relations between African nations and send a clear message that xenophobic attacks are unacceptable.
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The delegation includes Zulu monarch King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who also met President Emmerson Mnangagwa as part of efforts to reinforce Pan-African solidarity following renewed anti-foreigner violence in South Africa.
‘We are against xenophobia’
Addressing journalists in Harare on Monday, King Ndamase said South Africa’s traditional leaders reject violence against foreign nationals and remain committed to peaceful coexistence.
“We came here to Zimbabwe to show that we as traditional leaders or real leaders of South Africa are against xenophobia. We are people who want to abide, who abide by the law, but the way things are done now in South Africa, we as real leaders are not part of it.
“We are here to show peace and to show that we as black people or African people are one.”
The visit follows discussions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during which the Kings Council outlined plans to engage neighbouring countries in promoting reconciliation across the region.
Traditional leaders reject xenophobia but call for legal migration
King Ndamase acknowledged concerns around undocumented migration but stressed that violence should never be used to address the issue.
“We are not saying illegal immigrants are doing the right way of coming to South Africa illegally, but xenophobia and violence is not something which the real leaders of South Africa want.”
He said traditional leaders want to work with governments across Africa to address migration challenges through dialogue.
“We want to engage with all the presidents and all the real leaders out of South Africa so that we as different tribes, different nations, we speak and talk in one language and talk as one family.”
Zimbabweans among those hardest hit
The delegation’s message comes as Zimbabweans continue to bear the brunt of recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, where they make up one of the country’s largest migrant communities.
Past outbreaks of violence, including those in 2008, 2015 and 2019, resulted in deaths, mass displacement and the repatriation of thousands of Zimbabweans, while also straining diplomatic relations within Southern Africa.
Although official figures for the latest wave of unrest have not yet been released, the Zimbabwean government has indicated that it remains ready to assist citizens who choose to return home.
Traditional leaders say only a small group is behind xenophobic attacks
King Ndamase urged Africans not to judge South Africa by the actions of a small group responsible for the attacks.
“It is just a few people who are responsible for these actions. It does not come from the Government, nor does it come from the real leaders.”
He called on African nations to strengthen cooperation and find peaceful solutions to migration-related challenges.
“There are many ways that we can talk and resolve these issues. We can strengthen our relationships across Africa, work together, solve problems together and build one united continent as one people.”
President Ramaphosa has repeatedly condemned xenophobic violence, describing it as contrary to the principles of Ubuntu and human dignity.
President Mnangagwa has also maintained that Zimbabwe stands ready to receive returning citizens through government-led repatriation.