Zimbabwe Rejects Calls to Expel 25,000 South African Residents

The Government of Zimbabwe has rejected demands to expel approximately 25,000 South African nationals living within its borders. The decision comes as Zimbabwe faces a surge of citizens returning home due to recurring xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa.

During a parliamentary debate, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi stated that the government will not take retaliatory action and will continue to welcome foreign nationals who comply with immigration laws. He cited the African philosophy of Ubuntu as the basis for this stance.

Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora reported that over 99,000 Zimbabweans returning from South Africa have already been screened for communicable diseases at border posts. Those identified with chronic conditions are being linked to local healthcare services to manage their care.