Opinion / Columnist
Zimbabwe–SA relations: A long history of cooperation and tension
3 hrs ago |
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Despite current tensions over competition for jobs, social services, and scarce resources, Zimbabweans and South Africans share a long and complex history marked by both cooperation and conflict. Migration between the two countries dates back to colonial times - a trend that intensified after 2000 - and has involved people from all walks of life, including political leaders, professionals, and cultural figures.
Historic Ties Across the Limpopo
Long before Zimbabwe's economic collapse at the turn of the millennium - triggered largely by leadership failures, poor governance, and misguided policies - movement across the Limpopo River was two-way, though migration southward was heavier.
For decades, citizens of both countries lived and worked together in relative harmony. The two economies became structurally and historically intertwined, sharing political, economic, military, ideological, and cultural ties stretching back to the 19th century.
Migration across the region predates colonial borders, beginning during the Mfecane period, continuing under colonialism, and persisting into the post-independence era.
The migrations of Ndebele King Mzilikazi Khumalo and later Cecil John Rhodes into present-day Zimbabwe were early milestones in this trans-Limpopo movement.
Mutual Migration and Integration
Over the decades, people have moved freely in both directions.
During Rhodesia's economic heyday, South Africans - including Afrikaners, exiles, professionals, and businesspeople - settled in Zimbabwe. Many became long-term residents, contributing to the country's industries, schools, and communities.
For instance, Chief Albert Luthuli, the celebrated ANC leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was born in Solusi, near Bulawayo, while ANC stalwart Thomas Nkobi also hailed from Zimbabwe.
Other South Africans - such as Joe Gqabi, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Moeletsi Mbeki, and even First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe - lived or worked in Zimbabwe at various stages.
Some South African freedom fighters also found refuge in Zimbabwe during the liberation struggle. Among the 49 remains of South Africans recently repatriated from Zimbabwe and Zambia were notable figures such as Advocate Duma Nokwe, Edwin Letsholo Makoti, Florence Mophosho, and Basil February.
Shared Legacies in Politics, Business, and Sport
The exchange was not limited to politics.
South African-born figures served prominently in Rhodesia's government, including cabinet ministers Rowan Cronjé and P.K. van der Byl.
Business magnates with ties to both countries - such as the late John Bredenkamp and Billy Rautenbach - illustrate how economic and familial networks transcended borders.
Even in sport, the ties ran deep. Legendary goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, born in Durban, began his professional career at Highlanders Football Club in Bulawayo before becoming one of Africa's most successful footballers with Liverpool FC.
The judiciary also reflected this interconnection, with several South African-born judges serving in Rhodesia, including the country's first three High Court judges - Sir Murray Bisset, Vincent, and William Musgrave Hopley.
From Cooperation to Crisis
For much of the 20th century, Zimbabwe and South Africa enjoyed a dynamic exchange of people and ideas. However, the situation changed dramatically after Zimbabwe's economic and political collapse in the 2000s, driven by corruption, land seizures, and poor governance under the late President Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF.
This collapse triggered one of the largest post-independence migration waves in Southern Africa, with millions of Zimbabweans crossing into South Africa in search of work and stability. The influx strained local communities and resources, igniting social tensions and political friction.
What Changed?
The answer lies not in the relationship between ordinary people but in the economic and political disintegration north of the Limpopo.
Where cooperation once thrived on shared opportunity, it is now tested by scarcity and desperation. Yet, the long-standing historical, cultural, and familial bonds between the two nations remain undeniable - a reminder that the story of migration and solidarity between Zimbabwe and South Africa runs far deeper than the current moment of tension.
Historic Ties Across the Limpopo
Long before Zimbabwe's economic collapse at the turn of the millennium - triggered largely by leadership failures, poor governance, and misguided policies - movement across the Limpopo River was two-way, though migration southward was heavier.
For decades, citizens of both countries lived and worked together in relative harmony. The two economies became structurally and historically intertwined, sharing political, economic, military, ideological, and cultural ties stretching back to the 19th century.
Migration across the region predates colonial borders, beginning during the Mfecane period, continuing under colonialism, and persisting into the post-independence era.
The migrations of Ndebele King Mzilikazi Khumalo and later Cecil John Rhodes into present-day Zimbabwe were early milestones in this trans-Limpopo movement.
Mutual Migration and Integration
Over the decades, people have moved freely in both directions.
During Rhodesia's economic heyday, South Africans - including Afrikaners, exiles, professionals, and businesspeople - settled in Zimbabwe. Many became long-term residents, contributing to the country's industries, schools, and communities.
For instance, Chief Albert Luthuli, the celebrated ANC leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was born in Solusi, near Bulawayo, while ANC stalwart Thomas Nkobi also hailed from Zimbabwe.
Other South Africans - such as Joe Gqabi, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Moeletsi Mbeki, and even First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe - lived or worked in Zimbabwe at various stages.
Some South African freedom fighters also found refuge in Zimbabwe during the liberation struggle. Among the 49 remains of South Africans recently repatriated from Zimbabwe and Zambia were notable figures such as Advocate Duma Nokwe, Edwin Letsholo Makoti, Florence Mophosho, and Basil February.
The exchange was not limited to politics.
South African-born figures served prominently in Rhodesia's government, including cabinet ministers Rowan Cronjé and P.K. van der Byl.
Business magnates with ties to both countries - such as the late John Bredenkamp and Billy Rautenbach - illustrate how economic and familial networks transcended borders.
Even in sport, the ties ran deep. Legendary goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, born in Durban, began his professional career at Highlanders Football Club in Bulawayo before becoming one of Africa's most successful footballers with Liverpool FC.
The judiciary also reflected this interconnection, with several South African-born judges serving in Rhodesia, including the country's first three High Court judges - Sir Murray Bisset, Vincent, and William Musgrave Hopley.
From Cooperation to Crisis
For much of the 20th century, Zimbabwe and South Africa enjoyed a dynamic exchange of people and ideas. However, the situation changed dramatically after Zimbabwe's economic and political collapse in the 2000s, driven by corruption, land seizures, and poor governance under the late President Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF.
This collapse triggered one of the largest post-independence migration waves in Southern Africa, with millions of Zimbabweans crossing into South Africa in search of work and stability. The influx strained local communities and resources, igniting social tensions and political friction.
What Changed?
The answer lies not in the relationship between ordinary people but in the economic and political disintegration north of the Limpopo.
Where cooperation once thrived on shared opportunity, it is now tested by scarcity and desperation. Yet, the long-standing historical, cultural, and familial bonds between the two nations remain undeniable - a reminder that the story of migration and solidarity between Zimbabwe and South Africa runs far deeper than the current moment of tension.
Source - online
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