South African Traditional Leaders Visit Zimbabwe, Condemn Xenophobia but Acknowledge Illegal Immigration Concerns

A delegation of South African traditional leaders visited Zimbabwe on or before July 13, 2026, to denounce xenophobia and affirm that violence against migrants does not represent traditional authorities, AllAfrica reported. The group was led by King Ndamase Ndamase, chairperson of the South Africa Kings Council.

He said the visit was intended to reassure Zimbabweans and other Africans that South African traditional leaders reject attacks on foreign nationals.

"We came here to Zimbabwe to show that we as traditional leaders, or the real leaders of South Africa, are against xenophobia," King Ndamase said. The delegation informed President Cyril Ramaphosa of its plans after a meeting of kings from across South Africa and formally notified him in writing that it intended to meet Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

King Ndamase added that the trip sought to promote African unity.

"We are here to show peace and to show that we, as African people, are one," he said. He called for broader engagement across the continent. "We want to engage with all the presidents and traditional leaders across Africa so that, despite our different tribes and nations, we speak with one voice and live as one family," King Ndamase said.

The leaders acknowledged concerns over illegal immigration while rejecting violence. "We are not saying illegal immigrants are right to enter South Africa unlawfully, but xenophobia and violence are not what the real leaders of South Africa stand for," he said.

King Ndamase stated that the South African government also opposes such violence and that recent marches were organized by a small number of individuals who do not represent official policy or traditional leaders.

They do not represent the government or the real leaders of South Africa," he said. King Ndamase concluded that South Africa remains open to people from across the continent and that everyone should be able to live there peacefully.