‘We are united by blood’, says Foreign Affairs minister as he dodges Zimbabwe’s role in South Africa’s migrant crisis

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Amon Murwira, had to evoke historical memories and ties between Zimbabwe and South Africa as he sidestepped questions about the government’s role in the migration crisis gripping its southern African neighbour.

South Africa is gripped by xenophobic sentiments, which have led to the rise of vigilante groups calling for the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.

Illegal immigrants have been accused by South Africans of straining public services and contributing to crime in the country.

In an interview with South Africa’s state broadcaster, SABC, recently, Murwira dodged allegations that the Zimbabwean government was pushing its citizens into the neighbouring country.

“If there are problems that are particular, they can always be talked about. It is not South Africa versus the other; it is us together as a region.

“There is no day that South Africa is going to be separated from Zimbabwe. There is no day Zimbabwe is going to be separated from South Africa. We are together.

“Whatever we do, we have to know that our future is not only entangled by geography; it is entangled by blood,” said Murwira.

Political observers have accused the South African government of taking a soft stance towards Zimbabwe, failing to hold its counterparts to account over the failing economy, which has driven many natives to neighbouring South Africa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has not called out other African governments over the inundation of their citizens in South Africa.

Acknowledging that the migration crisis has been exacerbated by poverty, Murwira said this did not warrant the ejection of foreign nationals of African origin.

“This region has always confronted its problems. Whenever we are confronting our problems, we know that we cannot get rid of each other.

“We are united by blood, we are united by soil, and we are confronted with complex situations, but we must be able to face them nicely. That is why you find that, us in Zimbabwe, did you hear us talk? No, because it is not helpful,” said Murwira further.