Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
TREVOR Dongo has issued an emotional public appeal for peace and unity between Zimbabweans and South Africans amid the rising anti-African immigrants tensions across the Limpopo.
In a heartfelt open letter addressed to both nations, the award-winning musician, also known as the ‘Ladies Man,’ said he was deeply saddened by scenes of Zimbabweans being chased, insulted and told to return home by their hosts.
He urged people on both sides to reject hatred and embrace the spirit of Ubuntu.
Describing South Africa as his “home away from home,” Dongo said the worsening divisions were painful to witness because of the long-standing cultural, historical and family ties shared by the two neighbouring countries.
“Today, I write with a heavy heart. I see my fellow Zimbabweans being chased, insulted, and told to ‘go back home.’
“I see fear and anger on both sides, brothers turning their backs on brothers,” he wrote.
Addressing Zimbabweans living in South Africa, the musician acknowledged the hardships many migrants face while encouraging them to respond with dignity instead of anger.
“I know the pain of being made to feel like a stranger. I know the exhaustion of starting over, of being blamed for things we did not break.
“But let us not answer hate with hate. We did not come to South Africa to take.
“We came to build, to work, to create, to be neighbours,” he said.
He added that while Zimbabwe would always remain home, maintaining peace and respect in foreign countries was equally important.
“Home is Zimbabwe, yes and we love it fiercely. But unity does not mean we must be divided everywhere else,” Dongo said.
The singer also appealed directly to South Africans, reminding them of the friendships, workplaces and communities that Zimbabweans have shared with them over the years.
“You opened your doors to us for years. You danced to our music. Your children grew up hearing Zimbabwean accents in your classrooms and clinics.
“We are not a flood to drown you. We are your neighbours, your co-workers, your artists, your friends,” he said.
Dongo urged South Africans not to allow fear to overshadow the values of compassion and togetherness for which the country has long been recognised.
“Not every foreigner is a problem, just like not every South African is a problem.
“Fear tells us to chase people away. Ubuntu tells us to sit down, talk, and find a way to share the table.”
The musician stressed that Zimbabwe and South Africa share much more than a border, pointing to decades of migration, shared history, family connections and artistic collaborations that have strengthened relations between the two nations.
“Zimbabwe and South Africa are stitched together by history, family, music, and blood.
“We are not strangers. We are cousins who forgot how to laugh together,” he said.
As an artist, Dongo said he believes music has the power to unite people during difficult times and bridge divisions that politics and social tensions often create.
“I am an artist. My job is to remind people of what connects us when everything tries to pull us apart.
“Let us choose unity over suspicion. Let us choose neighbour over stranger. Let us be the generation that said, ‘Enough,’ and turned back toward each other.”
His message has resonated with many fans on social media, with users praising him for promoting peace, compassion and dialogue at a time when relations between communities remain strained.
Many described the letter as a timely reminder that humanity should always come before nationality, while others urged leaders and citizens alike to embrace unity instead of division.
