GROWING xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa have sparked concern among millions of Zimbabweans with relatives living and working across the Limpopo River.
Zimbabweans are among the largest foreign communities in South Africa and have frequently found themselves at the centre of anti-migrant campaigns and violence.
Recent reports indicate that several African countries have warned their citizens to remain vigilant as tensions continue to rise.
The apparent silence from President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the plight of Zimbabweans in South Africa has raised questions among citizens, civil society organisations and opposition leaders.
Critics argue that when Zimbabwean nationals are threatened abroad, the government has a responsibility to publicly defend them and engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels.
Political observers note that Harare has previously spoken out when Zimbabweans were involved in major tragedies in South Africa, including road accidents that claimed dozens of lives.
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On those occasions, Mnangagwa publicly expressed condolences and ordered assistance for affected families.
Now, many Zimbabweans are asking why a similarly strong response from the head of State and government has not been heard regarding xenophobic attacks and discrimination.
In a hypothetical comment reflecting concerns raised by some opposition voices, O-Zapu president Mathew Sibanda said: “Zimbabweans living in South Africa are not statistics.
“They are fathers, mothers, workers and students who contribute to both economies.
“When they are threatened, the Zimbabwean government must speak with a clear and firm voice.”
Sibanda added that diplomacy should never mean silence when citizens are living in fear.
“A government’s first responsibility is the protection of its people,” he said.
“Whether they are in Harare, Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban, Zimbabweans deserve to know that their government stands with them.”
Sibanda argued that Harare should engage Pretoria through regional structures such as Sadc while also demanding stronger protection for foreign nationals.
He said the friendship between Zimbabwe and South Africa “is important, but friendship should not prevent honest conversations”.
“Zimbabwe and South Africa must work together to stop xenophobia and ensure that innocent people are protected.”
Reports from South Africa show that authorities have condemned vigilante actions targeting foreign nationals, while President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged action against groups responsible for xenophobic violence.
For many Zimbabweans, however, the issue is not only what Pretoria is doing, but whether their own government is doing enough to publicly advocate for them.
As fears continue to grow among migrant communities, pressure is likely to increase on Mnangagwa to address the matter directly and reassure Zimbabweans living in South Africa that their concerns are being heard.