'Zimbabwean men are cowards'

South African activist and March in March founder, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has sparked controversy after sharply criticizing Zimbabwean men living in South Africa, labeling them 'cowards' for leaving their country instead of addressing its political and economic challenges.

Ngobese-Zuma made the remarks during an interview with Gagasi FM's Siphumelele Zondi, responding to comments from Mduduzi Dube, a Zimbabwean migrant in South Africa, who spoke about growing hostility towards foreigners and the rise of anti-immigrant movements such as Operation Dudula.

Dube argued that tensions have escalated due to political opportunism, with some South African politicians using migration issues to gain popularity. He noted that historically, locals and foreigners coexisted peacefully until groups like Operation Dudula emerged.

However, Ngobese-Zuma dismissed Dube’s claims, accusing Zimbabweans of being 'entitled' and overly reliant on South Africa. "I think Zimbabweans first of all need to understand that Zimbabwe is not a province of South Africa. This entitlement they have to South Africa is sickening," she said. She added that South Africa's efforts to accommodate Zimbabweans have only amplified their sense of superiority over locals.

Ngobese-Zuma was particularly critical of Zimbabwean men, stating they have abandoned their country instead of confronting its leadership. "The reason we have entitled people like Dube here is because the men of Zimbabwe have become cowards. They no longer want to fight for Zimbabwe, they want to fight for South Africa," she said. She urged Zimbabweans to return home and challenge President Emmerson Mnangagwa's regime rather than depending on South Africa for economic relief.

The activist condemned the increasing migration of Zimbabweans into South Africa, accusing them of seeking shortcuts instead of addressing the root causes of their country's crises. "Now every minute someone in Zimbabwe has a problem, the solution is to come to South Africa. What kind of solution is that? Who is staying behind in Zimbabwe? Who is fixing that country?" she asked.

Ngobese-Zuma concluded by appealing to Zimbabweans to heed the call of their ancestors and return home, insisting that South Africans have already done enough to accommodate them. "Their ancestors are calling them to go home, and we are helping them to go back," she said.