AmaZulu King Misuzulu, King Ndamase to meet Mnangagwa over xenophobia

AmaZulu King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini and King Ndamase Ndamase are expected to travel to Zimbabwe for talks with President Emmerson Mnangagwa on regional migration, xenophobia and Southern African cooperation.

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 proposed visit comes amid growing concern over xenophobic sentiment in South Africa, which has prompted thousands of Zimbabweans to return home in recent weeks. According to reports, Ndamase, leader of the AmaMpondo aseNyandeni in South Africa's Eastern Cape, wrote to South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola on July 3, formally notifying him of the planned diplomatic mission. Lamola's spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, confirmed that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) had received the correspondence and would engage the traditional leaders on their proposal.

Ndamase said the initiative followed a high-level meeting convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa on June 27, where South Africa's traditional leaders discussed rising anti-immigrant sentiment and possible interventions. The meeting preceded nationwide demonstrations held on June 30, when anti-immigration groups staged protests after calling on undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.

According to Ndamase, he and King Misuzulu also held separate discussions with Ramaphosa on June 28, during which they agreed that regional engagement was necessary to address migration-related tensions. The two traditional leaders intend to discuss xenophobia, migration, regional integration and the role of minority communities within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). They have also proposed hosting a SADC Regional Minority Summit in Victoria Falls, aimed at promoting regional dialogue and transforming migration into what Ndamase described as a "strategic asset for regional investment."

In a separate letter addressed to President Mnangagwa, also dated July 3, Ndamase requested a meeting with the Zimbabwean leader, citing his Pan-Africanist credentials and describing him as well placed to facilitate dialogue on migration and regional cooperation. The planned engagement has been confirmed by ZANU PF spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa, who said President Mnangagwa would receive the traditional leaders as part of broader regional efforts to address what he described as the "weaponisation of poverty."

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Mutsvangwa said the President had been communicating through intermediaries linked to traditional leadership structures in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as among the amaXhosa and amaMpondo. He said correspondence had been received from the Kingdom of Zululand, the King of the AmaMpondo and the Xhosa Paramount King, with discussions expected to focus on practical regional responses to migration challenges.

The diplomatic initiative comes as Zimbabwe continues to receive citizens returning from South Africa. On Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda said 21,291 Zimbabweans had been repatriated through Government-assisted arrangements since May 28, while another 56,832 had returned independently, bringing the total number of returnees to more than 78,000.

Government has established an Inter-Ministerial Committee at the Beitbridge Reception Centre to coordinate the reception, registration, transportation and reintegration of returnees.

Observers say the forthcoming meeting between President Mnangagwa and the two traditional leaders could contribute to broader regional efforts to promote peaceful coexistence, address migration challenges and strengthen cooperation among Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states.

AmaZulu King Misuzulu Zimbabwe visit