Zimbabwean Member of Parliament Calls for 25,000 South Africans to Be Expelled From Country
- A Zimbabwean Member of Parliament has suggested that his country do what South Africa was doing
- Clemence Chiduwa, a Zanu-PF member, noted how many Zimbabweans were forced out of South Africa
- Zimbabwe's Justice Minister weighed in on the proposal, noting President Emmerson Mnangagwa's commitment to Pan-Africanism
Source: Twitter
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
HARARE - A Zimbabwean Member of Parliament has called on Zimbabwe to expel approximately 25,000 South Africans currently living in and visiting the country.
Clemence Chiduwa, a Zanu-PF member, tabled the proposal before Parliament, framing the move as a direct response to the mass departure of Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa amid rising anti-immigration tensions.
Hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals have either been repatriated by the government or voluntarily left following calls by March and March for illegal immigrants to leave the country. A deadline of 30 June was given to them to leave, but many remained behind.
Transport delays have also been a factor in many remaining in the country.
Chiduwa's case for reciprocity
Speaking about the issues in South Africa, Chiduwa urged the Zimbabwean government to adopt a policy of reciprocity. Chiduwa posed a direct challenge to fellow legislators, arguing that Zimbabwe's response should mirror South Africa's treatment of its citizens.
"In diplomacy, there is a policy of reciprocity. Our people are being chased away from South Africa at the moment. In Zimbabwe, we have at least 25,000 South Africans.
"Don't you think, in the spirit of reciprocity, there is a need for us to chase these South Africans back to their country?" Chiduwa asked Parliament.
Justice Minister rejects the proposal
The suggestion was quickly dismissed by the country’s Justice Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, who made clear that President Emmerson Mnangagwa would not endorse the expulsion of fellow Africans from Zimbabwean soil.
"As Zimbabwe, we are friends with everyone. Our culture dictates that when our children visit, and then they want to come back, we just accept them," Ziyambi told Parliament.
Returning Zimbabweans will not receive special treatment
Briefly News reported that Zimbabwe's President said that returnees from South Africa would receive no special employment or integration programmes.
Mnangagwa confirmed the government would provide transport and basic welfare assistance to help citizens reach their preferred destinations.
Zimbabwe deployed an interim ministerial team at Beitbridge border post, facilitating the return of over 3,000 citizens since June 2026.
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Source: Briefly News
