King Misuzulu Meets Mnangagwa as Zimbabwe, South Africa Strengthen Ties

By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times

HARARE – AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare, with both sides reaffirming the importance of strengthening historical, cultural and economic ties between Zimbabwe and South Africa. The Zulu monarch was accompanied by a royal delegation that included King Ndamase of the AmaMpondo Kingdom, as well as traditional leaders from South Africa.

The high-level engagement comes at a time when South Africa is experiencing anti-migrant protests in several provinces, and Zimbabwe continues to facilitate the return of nationals affected by the unrest. Since 28 May 2026, the Zimbabwean Government has been implementing an assisted repatriation programme. Government figures indicate that more than 21,000 Zimbabweans have been assisted to return home, while an estimated 56,832 others have returned independently.

In a statement shared on social media after the meeting, President Mnangagwa said the visit underscored the enduring cultural and historical relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

"Our meeting reinforces the deep, historical, and unbreakable cultural bonds that unite the people of Zimbabwe and South Africa," Mnangagwa said.

"Traditional leadership remains a cornerstone of our African identity, preserving our rich heritage and guiding our communities toward peace and unity."

The President said Zimbabwe remained committed to strengthening regional cooperation through mutual respect and dialogue.

"Zimbabwe continues to open its doors to our regional brothers and sisters as we strengthen these foundational ties. We look forward to continued collaboration, mutual respect, and shared prosperity between our nations."

Addressing journalists after the meeting, ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said the discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Zimbabwe and South Africa and addressing shared post-colonial socio-economic challenges.

"His Royal Highness, he is the King of the Kingdom of the Zulus. He came here with a very powerful delegation, which also included King Ndamase of the AmaMpondo Kingdom in South Africa," Mutsvangwa said.

He said the delegation had requested a direct audience with President Mnangagwa to discuss issues affecting communities in the region.

"They felt that as kings, they have a role to play, and they respect President Mnangagwa as a regional leader and liberation fighter. They did not want their message to be filtered through third parties."

According to Mutsvangwa, the delegation held a private meeting with the President on Monday before Tuesday's official engagement attended by Cabinet ministers and senior government officials.

Mutsvangwa said discussions also touched on migration, employment opportunities and the role of traditional leadership in promoting peace and regional stability.

"We see it as a challenge of development. They also delved into how the two countries, and the Kingdom, can cooperate with Zimbabwe so that we can have a more organised labour movement, more job opportunities, so people can stay where they should be, and labour can move without the challenges of competing for scarce employment opportunities."

He said King Misuzulu and King Ndamase were expected to have lunch with ZANU PF officials before returning to South Africa. The meeting comes as both Zimbabwe and South Africa continue engaging on migration, cross-border cooperation and regional economic integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

King Misuzulu meets Mnangagwa