Zimbabwe Embassy Issues Safety Advisory to Nationals in South Africa Amid Xenophobic Tensions

Johannesburg - Zimbabwe's Embassy in South Africa has issued an urgent safety advisory to its nationals living in the country, urging heightened vigilance amid a wave of anti-foreigner protests and demonstrations that authorities and diplomats have linked to risks of xenophobic violence.

The advisory note, numbered 1 of 2026 and dated April 28, was released by the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in South Africa following reports received by its consulates in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

"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 document states. 

Zimbabwean nationals are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, stay indoors and limit unplanned movements, report any incidents to the South African Police Service as well as the embassy and consulates, and keep essential documents with them at all times.

The advisory comes as groups such as March and March and Operation Dudula have organised protests in Pretoria, Johannesburg and parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape of late.

Hundreds of demonstrators marched in central Pretoria on Tuesday towards the Union Buildings, calling for stricter immigration controls and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals.

Similar actions followed in Johannesburg on Wednesday, with some foreign-owned shops closing out of fear of looting or confrontation.

Protesters have voiced frustration over high unemployment, competition for jobs and resources and what they describe as the strain placed on public services by irregular migration.

Some participants have handed suspected undocumented migrants over to police during so-called clean-up campaigns.

Reports have also emerged of displacements, including Zimbabwean families evicted from homes in the Eastern Cape town of KuGompo (formerly East London), prompting consular assistance efforts.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the tensions during the country's Freedom Day commemorations on April 27.

"We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans," he said.

"We must not allow these concerns to give rise to xenophobia, directed towards people from other African countries or any other parts of the world."

Ramaphosa reminded citizens of the support provided by African nations during the anti-apartheid struggle and stressed that immigration laws must be enforced while upholding the values of ubuntu.

Government officials have condemned violence and vigilantism. Police have pledged to arrest those involved in attacks or incitement, while the situation has drawn diplomatic concern from several African countries.

In some areas, migrants have been warned to exercise caution or close businesses temporarily.