Zimbabwe Embassy issues urgent safety alert amid rising SA xenophobic tensions

THE Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa has issued an urgent safety advisory to Zimbabwean nationals, warning them to remain vigilant following rising xenophobic tensions and sporadic violence in parts of the neighbouring country.

The alert comes in the wake of renewed anti-migrant protests, some of which have turned violent, with reports of planned demonstrations in the coming days worsening concern among foreign communities.

In a statement, the Embassy said it had received disturbing reports of demonstrations targeting foreign nationals, posing a serious threat to Zimbabweans living in South Africa.

“The Consulate of Zimbabwe in Johannesburg and Cape Town have received reports of disturbing demonstrations that are targeting foreign nationals.

These incidents pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa,” read the advisory.

Zimbabweans were urged to avoid areas where protests are taking place, limit unnecessary movement and remain indoors where possible.

The Embassy also advised nationals to keep their identification documents on them at all times and to report any threats to the South African Police Service, as well as Zimbabwean diplomatic missions.

The latest developments follow a surge in anti-immigrant sentiment across parts of South Africa, including reports of foreign-owned shops being forcibly shut down in the Eastern Cape and similar campaigns in Durban. Some of the protests, reportedly organised under the banner of “clean-up” operations, have seen locals confronting migrants and demanding that they leave the country.

Xenophobic attacks have long plagued South Africa, which hosts millions of migrants from across the continent and beyond. Zimbabweans have frequently been among those affected, with previous incidents resulting in displacement, loss of livelihoods and in some cases, fatalities.

The Embassy reiterated the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of its citizens abroad, stressing the importance of vigilance during this period of heightened tension.

The advisory has been welcomed by stakeholders, including the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum, led by human rights lawyer Advocate Gabriel Shumba.

“We endorse the advice to be cautious, given the disturbing and potentially life-threatening nature of the reports emerging from different areas,” said Adv Shumba.

He expressed hope that the situation would de-escalate, urging migrants to comply with local laws while calling for authorities to ensure the rule of law is upheld.

“As an organisation, we hope our brothers and sisters do not fall prey to opportunistic elements sowing division within communities. At the same time, migrants should regularise their stay and desist from criminal activity,” he said.

Adv Shumba also called on regional bodies to engage the South African Government to restore stability and protect vulnerable communities.

“We do further hope that the condemnation of violence is followed by practical enforcement. We also urge regional institutions to lobby the Government following President Ramaphosa’s acknowledgement that a lot needs to happen to restore harmony, peace and stability,” he said.

The Zimbabwe Community in South Africa (ZimCommunitySA) urged Zimbabweans to take the Embassy’s warning seriously and avoid confrontation.

ZimCommunitySA Spokesperson Mr Bongani Mkhwananzi said the rare issuance of such an advisory highlighted the gravity of the situation.

“We take note of the advisory note and it is very rare for our embassy to issue such a security warning to its nationals.

We urge our compatriots to avoid any form of confrontation or proximity to protests. The situation is volatile, and safety must come first,” he said.

Mr Mkhwananzi said foreign nationals are often unfairly blamed for socio-economic challenges, a narrative that fuels hostility and violence.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has since condemned the recent wave of xenophobic incidents, warning against the escalation of tensions.

Speaking during Freedom Day commemorations, President Ramaphosa urged citizens not to allow legitimate concerns to manifest as xenophobia, emphasising the need for unity, peace and respect for human rights.

His remarks came as South Africa has seen anti-immigrants protests and violence targeting foreigners in recent weeks.