THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) says South Africa must be candid with Zimbabwe about its political and economic trajectory, warning that xenophobic attacks will persist unless both countries address the underlying factors driving irregular migration.
More than a million Zimbabweans have migrated to South Africa in search of better economic opportunities.
ZCTU argued that lasting solutions require Harare and Pretoria to confront the economic and political conditions fuelling migration and anti-immigrant sentiment — rather than merely managing the violence after it erupts.
These remarks come following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa amid growing concern over the safety of Zimbabwean migrants.
While diplomatic engagements and law enforcement are necessary, the labour body insists that diplomacy alone will not stop movements such as Operation Dudula and March & March from harassing migrants.
ZCTU acting secretary-general Runesu Dzimiri stated that South Africa needs to complement law enforcement measures with an honest assessment of the conditions pushing people to migrate.
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“South Africa also needs to be candid with Zimbabwe on its political and economic trajectory if it is serious about arresting irregular migration,” Dzimiri said.
“We wait to see positive outcomes from the announcement by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed the nation on June 7, 2026, proclaiming a sweeping national crackdown on irregular migration.”
He vowed that the State will block the planned June 30 national shutdown and will not tolerate further door-to-door intimidation following months of violent vigilante actions.
Dzimiri said as long as Zimbabwe’s economic challenges persist and employment opportunities remain scarce, millions of citizens will continue seeking opportunities abroad, leaving them vulnerable to violence and discrimination.
The labour movement noted that the Zimbabwean government has a constitutional and moral obligation to protect its citizens, but can only do so effectively by addressing the political and economic shortcomings forcing people to migrate.
“The formal job market has virtually vanished, leaving millions of young people with no option but economic migration to survive,” the statement read.
“It is clear that diplomatic dialogue alone will not stop movements like Operation Dudula and March & March from harassing foreign nationals as long as the economic and political fundamentals are not fixed in both the host and source countries.”
ZCTU added that xenophobia has become a predictable cycle of violence in South Africa, accusing vigilante groups of using claims of rising crime, drug dealing and unemployment to justify attacks. The organisation rejected the arguments, stating that poverty and economic frustration cannot justify violence against migrants.
While welcoming recent diplomatic engagements between Harare and Pretoria, the labour body maintained that a lasting solution lies in reforms in both nations.
“The reality is that leaders and those in power are insulated from the practical consequences of their governance, while ordinary people pay with their lives in foreign countries,” Dzimiri said.
He argued that hyperinflation, corruption, monetary instability, and collapsing public infrastructure are among the primary factors driving mass migration from Zimbabwe.
ZCTU urged the Zimbabwean government to immediately assist victims of xenophobic attacks through a coordinated response mechanism including legal protection, medical aid and repatriation support.
The government confirmed this week that it had facilitated the repatriation of approximately 70 Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa.