Zimbabwean digital creator leaves South Africa

Zimbabwean digital creator Shawty Zw has revealed the deeply personal reasons behind her decision to leave South Africa and relocate to Harare, saying the move was motivated by a desire for peace of mind rather than immigration challenges.

In an emotional social media post, Shawty Zw addressed growing questions from followers about why she chose to leave a country where she had lived for years and where, according to her, all her legal documentation was in order.

The content creator said her decision was driven largely by the emotional toll of increasing anti-foreigner rhetoric that has become more visible in parts of South Africa.

Although she had built a life, career and community in the country, she said repeated calls for foreigners to leave left her feeling unwelcome despite complying with the law.

"Even though I was in the country legally, hearing statements like ‘with or without papers, all foreigners must go' was painful," she wrote.

According to Shawty Zw, such sentiments made her feel as though her efforts to contribute positively to society and follow legal immigration processes were not enough to guarantee a sense of belonging.

The digital creator stressed that her experience should not be interpreted as a criticism of all South Africans.

Instead, she expressed gratitude to the many people who supported her throughout her stay in the country.

"I'm not saying every South African feels this way. In fact, I've met some of the kindest, most supportive people there," she said.

She added that South Africa had provided her with valuable opportunities and helped shape her personal and professional journey.

The influencer described leaving South Africa as one of the most difficult decisions she has ever made, saying it involved considerable emotional struggle and uncertainty.

She admitted that the process was accompanied by tears, self-doubt and difficult conversations with herself about whether she was making the right choice.

However, she ultimately concluded that protecting her mental and emotional wellbeing was more important.

"Sometimes you have to walk away from a place you love in order to protect your mental and emotional well-being," she said.

Now based in Harare, Shawty Zw said she is focused on healing, reconnecting with home and embracing a new chapter in her life.

While she has chosen to return to Zimbabwe, she said South Africa will always hold a special place in her heart because of the memories, friendships and opportunities she gained during her years there.

Her comments come amid ongoing debates around immigration, xenophobia and the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa, issues that have increasingly featured in public discourse as anti-immigrant sentiment gains visibility in some communities.

For Shawty Zw, however, the move back home was ultimately about finding peace.

"I chose peace," she said, reflecting on the decision that brought her back to Zimbabwe.