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Mnangagwa blames 'small groups' for SA's anti-immigrant protests
2 hrs ago |
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has described recent anti-immigrant protests in South Africa as the actions of "small groups", saying they do not represent the position of African governments, which remain committed to Pan-Africanism and continental unity.
His remarks come as Zimbabwe continues to receive citizens returning from South Africa following weeks of anti-immigrant demonstrations that have heightened fears among foreign nationals, including thousands of Zimbabweans living and working in the neighbouring country.
Speaking on the issue, President Mnangagwa said no African government supported hostility towards foreign nationals.
"To be honest, I don't think I am aware of any government on the continent that supports that. These are small groups who do such things. Generally, we are Pan-Africanists and we accept ourselves as Africans wherever we are," he said.
The President also dismissed concerns that Zimbabwe's education system could come under pressure from children returning with their families, saying authorities had not received reports of schools struggling to accommodate returning learners.
"I have not received any complaint from the education system that they are overwhelmed by the children who are coming from across. Until I receive that, then I will see what to do. But for now, no complaint has come," he said.
Mnangagwa said the Government was continuing to assist returning citizens by providing transport and welfare support, while reaffirming that Zimbabweans living abroad would always be welcomed back home.
"We facilitate their transport and their welfare. Every Zimbabwean who is in the diaspora is welcome back home. We want them back home. They are our people," he said.
Zimbabwe has been coordinating the return of some of its nationals following anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals have faced growing hostility in some communities. The demonstrations have sparked concern over the safety of migrants and prompted calls for greater regional cooperation to address migration and social tensions.
His remarks come as Zimbabwe continues to receive citizens returning from South Africa following weeks of anti-immigrant demonstrations that have heightened fears among foreign nationals, including thousands of Zimbabweans living and working in the neighbouring country.
Speaking on the issue, President Mnangagwa said no African government supported hostility towards foreign nationals.
"To be honest, I don't think I am aware of any government on the continent that supports that. These are small groups who do such things. Generally, we are Pan-Africanists and we accept ourselves as Africans wherever we are," he said.
"I have not received any complaint from the education system that they are overwhelmed by the children who are coming from across. Until I receive that, then I will see what to do. But for now, no complaint has come," he said.
Mnangagwa said the Government was continuing to assist returning citizens by providing transport and welfare support, while reaffirming that Zimbabweans living abroad would always be welcomed back home.
"We facilitate their transport and their welfare. Every Zimbabwean who is in the diaspora is welcome back home. We want them back home. They are our people," he said.
Zimbabwe has been coordinating the return of some of its nationals following anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals have faced growing hostility in some communities. The demonstrations have sparked concern over the safety of migrants and prompted calls for greater regional cooperation to address migration and social tensions.
Source - The Standard
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