South African Traditional Leaders Condemn Xenophobia

South African Traditional Leaders Condemn Xenophobia A delegation led by King Ndamase Ndamase (a South African traditional king, specifically the King of Western Pondoland / AmaMpondo aseNyandeni in the Eastern Cape Province. He was officially recognized in 2018, according to a government statement; he had previously assumed the role in 2008 at the age of 24), Chairman of the South African Kingship Council (he is not the sole chairman of the South African Kingship Forum, but its vice-chairman – and one of the most active and influential traditional leaders in the country. The Forum itself is a relatively new instrument to better coordinate the approximately 7–10 recognized kings of South Africa), visited Zimbabwe to reaffirm African unity. According to a Zimbabwean government official, he emphasized that migration conflicts should be resolved through dialogue, not violence. In some current contexts, such as… For example, in 2026, during talks on migration and xenophobia with Zimbabwe and other SADC states, he is also mentioned as the acting chair or leading voice of the forum, due to his active diplomatic involvement—along with Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. “We are here to demonstrate peace and show that we stand together as African peoples,” said King Ndamase. Violence against migrants can never be justified, and the recent anti-immigration demonstrations do not reflect official policy, he added. Absolutely right. Violence against migrants—or against any people based on their origin—can never be justified. This is a clear moral and legal principle. Xenophobic attacks, pogroms, or arbitrary assaults are barbaric and harm not only the victims but the entire country. For years, South Africa has experienced recurring outbreaks of violence against foreigners (primarily from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, etc.), often fueled by poverty, high unemployment (over 30%), crime, and the perception among many South Africans that illegal migration drains resources (jobs, housing, social services) and is sometimes linked to crime. King Ndamase and other traditional leaders are therefore trying to address the issue regionally – through dialogue with neighboring countries, rather than escalation. They speak of migration as a regional problem that should be solved through “Ubuntu” and joint economic development, rather than violence. This is a sensible approach. The traditional leaders have informed President Ramaphosa of their plans in writing, according to Ndamase.