ZIMBABWEAN MP PROPOSES THAT ABOUT 25,000 SOUTH AFRICANS LIVING IN ZIMBABWE, ALONG WITH SOUTH AFRICAN-OWNED COMPANIES, SHOULD BE SENT HOME, BUT THE ZIMBABWEAN GOVERNMENT REJECTS THE IDEA, SAYING “WE ARE NOT BARBARIC PEOPLE”
A heated debate took place in the Zimbabwean Parliament after Zimbabwean MP Clemence Chiduwa proposed that Zimbabwe should adopt a reciprocal approach following the return of Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa.
Speaking during Parliament, Chiduwa claimed that there are around 25,000 South Africans living in Zimbabwe and argued that they should also be sent back to South Africa. He further suggested that South African-owned companies operating in Zimbabwe should also be affected if Zimbabwe decides to respond with similar measures.
However, the proposal was firmly rejected by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who responded on behalf of the Zimbabwean government.
Minister Ziyambi said Zimbabwe would not target South Africans living in the country or take action against South African businesses. He stressed that Zimbabwe is a nation governed by the rule of law and would not retaliate against people based on their nationality.
“We are not barbaric people,” Ziyambi told Parliament, adding that Zimbabwe would continue to respect human rights, maintain good relations with its neighbours, and handle migration matters through lawful and diplomatic channels rather than retaliatory action.
The exchange has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many debating whether Zimbabwe should respond with reciprocal measures or continue with the government’s current approach.
What do you think? Should Zimbabwe have adopted the proposal made by MP Clemence Chiduwa, or do you agree with Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi’s response?