Staff Writer
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) said it will work with its regional partners to continue advocating for the rights upholding the dignity of migrants in South Africa.
Said ZCC in a statement:
“The ZCC remains committed to accompanying migrants with compassion, advocating for their dignity and rights, and working with ecumenical partners to build communities where every person is welcomed, protected and valued.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2.”
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) is this week in South Africa, participating in the Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa (FOCCISA) Regional Solidarity Visit hosted by the South African Council of Churches (SACC), the current Chair of the FOCCISA.
Church leaders and delegates from Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Namibia, Tanzania, Eswatini and South Africa have gathered in a shared expression of faith and regional solidarity. Together, they will travel to the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal for engagements with churches, migrant communities, government institutions and civil society partners to deepen understanding, strengthen ecumenical collaboration, and affirm the dignity and rights of migrants.
The ZCC delegation is led by General Secretary Rev. Wilfred Dimingu and includes former ZCC President Bishop Dr. I. Makumbe.
South Africa has experienced a sharp resurgence of xenophobic protests and vigilante violence targeting African and Asian foreign nationals, driven by groups like March and March and Operation Dudula. Amid high unemployment and strained public services ahead of local government elections, anti-migrant rhetoric has intensified, prompting regional repatriations and international human rights condemnation.