Zimbabwe crisis fuels SA xenophobia

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has called on South Africa and Zimbabwe to confront the political and economic factors driving migration, warning that xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals will continue unless the underlying causes are addressed.

The labour federation's remarks come amid renewed attacks targeting migrants in South Africa and growing concern over the safety of Zimbabweans living and working in the neighbouring country.

An estimated one million Zimbabweans are believed to have migrated to South Africa over the years in search of employment opportunities and improved living conditions.

ZCTU said lasting solutions to xenophobia require more than law enforcement and diplomatic engagement, arguing that both Harare and Pretoria must address the economic realities that fuel migration and anti-immigrant sentiment.

Acting secretary-general Runesu Dzimiri said South Africa should complement efforts to curb violence against migrants with frank engagement on the factors pushing people to leave Zimbabwe.

"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.

His comments follow an address by Cyril Ramaphosa on June 7, 2026, in which the South African leader announced a national crackdown on irregular migration and pledged to prevent a planned June 30 shutdown linked to anti-immigrant groups.

Ramaphosa also warned against unlawful vigilantism and door-to-door intimidation campaigns that have become increasingly common in some communities.

However, ZCTU argued that enforcement measures alone will not resolve the problem.

"We wait to see positive outcomes from the announcement by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa," Dzimiri said.

He warned that as long as Zimbabwe continues to face economic difficulties and limited employment opportunities, many citizens will continue seeking livelihoods abroad, often exposing themselves to discrimination, exploitation and violence.

The labour body said the Zimbabwean government has both a constitutional and moral responsibility to protect its citizens but argued that meaningful protection requires addressing the domestic conditions that drive migration.

"The formal job market has virtually vanished, leaving millions of young people with no option but economic migration to survive," the organisation said.

"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."

The federation said xenophobia has become a recurring challenge in South Africa, with some vigilante groups blaming migrants for rising crime, unemployment and drug-related offences.

ZCTU rejected those justifications, arguing that economic hardship cannot be used to legitimise violence against foreign nationals.

The organisation maintained that durable solutions require reforms in both Zimbabwe and South Africa to create economic opportunities, strengthen governance and reduce social tensions.

Dzimiri said ordinary citizens often bear the consequences of policy failures while political leaders remain insulated from their effects.

"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," he said.

The labour body cited economic instability, unemployment, corruption, inflationary pressures and deteriorating public services among the factors contributing to outward migration from Zimbabwe.

ZCTU also urged authorities to strengthen support mechanisms for victims of xenophobic violence, including legal assistance, medical care and repatriation services.

The call comes after the Zimbabwean government confirmed that it had facilitated the return of approximately 70 Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa following recent incidents of xenophobic unrest.

The organisation said addressing migration pressures at their source remains critical to reducing both irregular migration and recurring tensions between host communities and foreign nationals across the region.