Johannesburg - Mthwakazi Republic Party leader Mqondisi Moyo says Zimbabweans remain in South Africa despite hostility because there are “no job or business opportunities” in Matabeleland, blaming poor governance and rigged elections for the exodus.
His comments come as anti-immigration activists have set a June 30, 2026 deadline for foreigners to leave South Africa.
“People are not saying life in South Africa is rosy,” Moyo said. “But when they think of coming back to Zimbabwe they ask themselves: where do they start from? There are no job opportunities for the people of Matabeleland, there are no business opportunities. At the end of the day they say it’s better to remain in South Africa even if the situation is not conducive.”
The deadline was repeated by controversial activist Phakelumthakathi, who said all “illegal foreigners” should leave South Africa by June 30, 2026. They have not specific as to the consequences of ignoring the deadline but Phakelumthakathi has hinted that "some things will happen."
TikTok posts linked to the campaign also quoted him stating “from 30 June they will be no foreign nationals in South Africa.” The marches and calls have been led by figures including Ngizwe Mchunu, Phakelumthakathi Phakade and Jacinta Ngobese and a number of groups, notably March and March. Moyo said permanent solutions require governments to prioritize “ordinary suffering people” instead of ignoring their challenges.
He accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of failing to deliver on its 2017 “new republic” promises of jobs.
“It is due to poor governance by respective African countries, particularly in the southern region,” he said. “Countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi have many people domiciled in South Africa — especially Zimbabwe, which has more than 3 million people there.” Before condemning South African citizens chasing “illegal foreigners,” Moyo argued, focus should shift to regional governments.
“Every time Zimbabwe has elections they rig elections, then organs like SADC and the African Union endorse them saying they were free and fair. Even South Africa endorses the elections.”
He pointed to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s private visit to Mnangagwa last week, saying talks were never publicized. “Many people believe whatever they spoke about had nothing to do with suffering Zimbabweans in South Africa. It is something to do with their own personal interest. Many people believe it is all about their private dealings.”
Moyo traced the migration crisis back decades, citing the Gukurahundi period from 1983 to 1987 and the economic collapse from 2005 onward. “In a nutshell, I would say we have got a long way to go.”He added that until governments address rigged polls and economic exclusion, people will continue fleeing, even as pressure mounts in South Africa.
“This issue is about governments coming up with a permanent solution that will help an ordinary suffering person" he said.