Fresh anti-immigrant violence in South Africa has forced foreign nationals to flee their homes, with hundreds seeking shelter as governments organise voluntary repatriation programmes.

HARARE – AmaZulu King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini and King Ndamase Ndamase of Western Pondoland are expected to visit Zimbabwe for high-level talks with President Emmerson Mnangagwa as regional leaders seek solutions to escalating anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa.

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has urged local event promoters to consider postponing performances by South African artistes amid growing public anger over the reported harassment of foreign nationals in South Africa. NACZ chief executive officer Napoleon Nyanhi said the appeal is a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding both performers and audiences, rather than a boycott of South African entertainers.

CAPE TOWN – Hundreds of Zimbabweans who opted to return home through South Africa's voluntary repatriation programme have been left stunned after learning they could be barred from re-entering the country for up to five years because of their immigration status. The revelation has emerged as South African authorities continue assisting foreign nationals who chose to leave the country amid fears of violence linked to planned anti-immigration protests.

VICTORIA FALLS – Zimbabwean mobile network operator Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has reportedly cancelled South African Afro-pop duo Mafikizolo's scheduled performance at the Buddie Beatz Concert, following mounting public criticism over the timing of the event amid growing xenophobia concerns affecting Zimbabweans living in South Africa.

More than 500 Zimbabweans are reportedly sheltering at the consulate and in surrounding areas while awaiting government-assisted repatriation to Zimbabwe. With limited space at the diplomatic mission, many have been forced to sleep outdoors as they wait for transport home.

MOGODITSHANE, BOTSWANA – Authorities in Botswana have appealed for calm after violent clashes between local residents and Zimbabwean nationals in Mogoditshane left several people injured and heightened fears of escalating xenophobic tensions. The disturbances, which began over the weekend in the Sentomole ward of Mogoditshane, have prompted increased police monitoring amid concerns that further violence could erupt if tensions are not contained.

Zimbabweans returning home from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks will be allowed to import personal belongings, household goods, and one motor vehicle under a special immigrants’ rebate scheme aimed at easing their resettlement. The concession was outlined in a directive from Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga to Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa.

DURBAN, South Africa — More than 1,000 migrants, the majority of them Malawian nationals, have fled their homes in Burnwood informal settlement in Durban following threats and intimidation by local residents demanding that foreign nationals leave the area.

South African business organisations have warned that rising tensions over illegal immigration could trigger further xenophobic violence and damage the country’s economic interests.

MAPUTO — The Mozambican government says at least five of its citizens were killed in what it described as xenophobic attacks in South Africa over the weekend, marking the first officially reported deaths linked to a recent wave of anti-immigration protests sweeping parts of the country.

HARARE – Violent unrest linked to anti-immigration protests erupted in the KwaNonqaba and Asla Park areas of Mossel Bay, South Africa, in late May 2026, leaving a trail of destruction, displacement, and death. Local police have confirmed that two men died during the chaos, multiple homes were razed by fire, and hundreds of residents have been displaced in what community leaders and local officials describe as suspected xenophobic attacks.