The Government of Zimbabwe has moved to reassure its citizens living in South Africa after reports of rising xenophobic demonstrations targeting foreign nationals, warning of potential safety risks and urging Zimbabweans to exercise extreme caution.
By Advent Shoko
In an official advisory issued on 28 April 2026, the Zimbabwe Embassy in Pretoria and consulates in Johannesburg and Cape Town confirmed they are closely monitoring what they described as “disturbing demonstrations” affecting foreign communities. The advisory stated:
“The Consulate of Zimbabwe in Johannesburg and Cape Town have received reports of disturbing demonstrations that are targeting foreign nationals. These incidents pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa.”
The warning comes at a sensitive time in regional migration dynamics, where economic pressures and unemployment in parts of South Africa have historically triggered periodic spikes in anti-foreigner sentiment, often placing migrant communities in vulnerable positions.
Zimbabwean authorities have now issued clear safety instructions to nationals across South Africa, urging restraint in movement and heightened awareness. The advisory reads:
“Remain vigilant and avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. Stay indoors and limit unplanned movements.”
Citizens have also been urged to report any incidents immediately to South African Police Services, as well as to Zimbabwean diplomatic missions in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The advisory further stresses the importance of preparedness, including keeping identification and essential documents on hand at all times, a precaution often recommended during periods of civil unrest.
“Keep essential documents with you all the time,” the notice states.
To support affected nationals, the Embassy and Consulates have activated emergency contact lines across South Africa, including Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, with dedicated hotlines and email channels for urgent assistance.
The Embassy of Zimbabwe in Pretoria is located at 798 Merton Avenue, Arcadia, while the Johannesburg Consulate operates from 20 Ernest Oppenheimer Avenue, Bruma. The Cape Town Consulate is based at 53–55 Kuyper Street, Zonnebloem.
Officials emphasized that Zimbabwe remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad. The advisory concluded:
“The Government of Zimbabwe is committed to ensuring safety, dignity and well-being of its nationals.”
The development highlights the continued vulnerability of migrant communities in South Africa, where periodic unrest has repeatedly raised concerns across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
For thousands of Zimbabweans working, studying, and living in South Africa, the advisory serves as both a warning and a reminder of the fragile balance between migration, economic survival, and regional stability.
As authorities monitor the situation, attention now turns to whether tensions will escalate further, or be contained before they spill into wider diplomatic strain between the two neighbours.
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