Shared History No Excuse to Break SA Immigration Laws - Zulu King Tells Mnangagwa

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has cautioned Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa against using historical ties between communities as a justification for disregarding South Africa's immigration laws. The AmaZulu King asserted that adherence to immigration regulations is a fundamental aspect of international practice, designed to manage the orderly movement of people, and should not be misconstrued as xenophobia.

Speaking during an official visit to Zimbabwe, the King's remarks came amidst heightened tensions surrounding immigration in South Africa. He highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between the Zulu nation and communities in other Southern African Development Community countries, stemming from 19th-century migrations and political events. However, he stressed that this shared ancestry necessitates mutual respect and compliance with the laws of sovereign states, rather than providing grounds for their violation.

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As I arrived here in Zimbabwe, I presented my passport to the immigration authorities. My passport was stamped, I declared my nationality, I declared the purpose of my visit and I informed the authorities where I would be residing during my stay.

King Misuzulu underscored that the notion of being "family" across borders does not negate the need for respecting each other's laws and homes. He countered the portrayal of South Africans as inherently anti-African, noting that the nation has historically welcomed individuals from across the continent for education, business, and refuge. To illustrate his point, the King recounted his own experience entering Zimbabwe, where he presented his passport, declared his purpose of visit, and acknowledged his status as a visitor subject to Zimbabwean law, a process he found dignified rather than demeaning.

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By entering Zimbabwe, I accepted that while I remain King of the Zulu Nation, I am nevertheless a visitor within the sovereign territory of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and I am duty-bound to respect and obey the laws of this country for the duration of my visit.