THE Zimbabwean government has moved to allay fears over the safety of its nationals living in South Africa following renewed concerns about xenophobic tensions.
Authorities in South Africa indicated that the situation remains under control despite recent demonstrations.
Escalating xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant protests started last month, targeting African foreign nationals and causing diplomatic tensions with countries like Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique.
The protests in Johannesburg, Pretoria and other cities have involved looting and violence against migrants from other African countries.
The issue was discussed in the Senate during a recent sitting of Parliament, where legislators pressed the government to clarify measures in place to protect Zimbabweans across the border.
Raising the matter, Senator Laban Munemo expressed concern over “recurring and deeply disturbing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals” in South Africa, including Zimbabweans.
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He asked the government to outline both diplomatic and practical interventions, as well as contingency plans should the situation escalate.
In response, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said Harare was in constant communication with South African authorities, adding that recent demonstrations had been “largely peaceful".
“The situation in South Africa is not something that has started today,” Ziyambi said. “The fortunate bit is that the demonstrations that happened a day or so ago were largely peaceful.”
He said the government had engaged Pretoria, particularly on the status of Zimbabweans who have been living and working in South Africa under special permit arrangements.
“As a country, we have had engagements with the South African government because we have many of our people there who were on a specific permit that we were requesting the South African government to ensure that it is accepted,” Ziyambi said.
He added that there is “no need to panic,” insisting that Zimbabwean citizens in South Africa are not facing immediate danger.
“Our citizens in South Africa are not in any danger. Those that are not documented, ordinarily, they are not supposed to be there,” he said, noting that some Zimbabweans benefited from permits introduced in 2010 and are seeking renewal.
Ziyambi referenced ongoing legal processes in South Africa, including a court order that reportedly barred authorities from deporting some permit holders or discontinuing extensions.
The Zimbabwean embassy in Pretoria continues to monitor developments and provide updates to the government, he said.
“Our embassy in South Africa will keep us posted on the situation,” Ziyambi told senators, adding that a more detailed briefing would be provided through the Foreign Affairs and International Trade ministry if required.
South Africa has, over the years, experienced periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence, driven by tensions over jobs, crime and access to services.
Zimbabweans form one of the largest migrant communities in that country, many having relocated during periods of economic and political instability back home.