King Misuzulu, Mnangagwa discuss illegal immigration, border security
The high-level engagement, held in Zimbabwe on Friday, comes amid growing concerns over illegal immigration in South Africa.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has called for stronger cooperation between African nations to address illegal immigration, border governance and responsible migration following what his office has described as a successful meeting with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The high-level engagement, held in Zimbabwe on Friday, comes amid growing concerns over illegal immigration in South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where communities have staged a series of protests demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
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In a statement released on Monday, the King’s Office said the meeting marked a significant step towards strengthening relations between traditional leadership and governments on issues affecting the continent.
During the meeting, King Misuzulu delivered what his office described as a landmark address focusing on African unity, responsible migration, border governance and the role of traditional leadership in promoting peace, stability and cooperation across the continent.
The king led a delegation of traditional leaders, including AmaMpondo King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase of the Eastern Cape and other traditional leaders from across South Africa.
Before the visit, the King’s private secretary, Arnold Ndamase, confirmed that illegal immigration would be one of the key issues on the agenda, although details of the discussions were not disclosed at the time.
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The meeting also highlighted the importance of balancing secure border management with the preservation of the long-standing cultural, historical and family ties shared by communities across Southern Africa.
The King’s Office said the discussions with President Mnangagwa were constructive and centred on finding African-led solutions to migration challenges while strengthening cooperation between neighbouring countries.
The visit comes at a time when immigration remains a highly contested issue in South Africa.
In recent weeks, organisations and community groups in KwaZulu-Natal have intensified campaigns calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country, while government has repeatedly stressed that immigration enforcement must be conducted within the confines of the law.
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The King’s engagement with President Mnangagwa is expected to contribute to broader discussions on regional cooperation, with traditional leaders increasingly playing a role in fostering dialogue on cross-border challenges affecting communities in Southern Africa.
The King’s Office said the engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to African unity, responsible governance and collaborative approaches to addressing migration and development challenges across the region.
