A Zimbabwean woman who spent two decades living in South Africa has documented her return to her home country as xenophobic tensions escalate. The woman, identified on TikTok as @thalentezikhethele, shared a video of herself cleaning her house in Zimbabwe, which she had abandoned years ago when she moved to South Africa. Her video was captioned: “Day 1 in Zimbabwe after 20 years in South Africa.”
Xenophobic Attacks and the June 30 Deadline
Her return comes amid a wave of xenophobic sentiment in South Africa, marked by a June 30, 2026 deadline set by activist groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country. According to Al Jazeera, campaigns led by the March and March movement and Operation Dudula have intensified pressure on foreign nationals. Operation Dudula, whose name in Zulu roughly translates to “push back” or “force out,” has been involved in targeting foreign-owned businesses, conducting street checks for identification documents, and attempting to block foreign nationals from accessing public hospitals.
Another prominent figure in the movement is Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, known as “Phakel’umthakathi.” With over 1.7 million Facebook followers, he has organized demonstrations featuring men dressed in traditional Zulu warrior regalia. Ndabandaba told CNN that he was the architect of the June 30 deadline.
Historical Context of Xenophobia in South Africa
This is not the first time South Africa has witnessed such tensions. Episodes of xenophobic violence have been reported throughout the post-apartheid period, with severe outbreaks in 2008, 2015, and 2019. The violence has often been directed at nationals from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and other African countries. In response, African governments have taken diplomatic steps, with Nigeria and Ghana summoning South African envoys following attacks on their nationals.
Reactions to the Woman's Return
Many who came across the woman’s video shared their thoughts on her homecoming after her return to Zimbabwe. The video resonated with viewers who commented on her resilience and the challenges of leaving a life built over two decades. The woman’s story highlights the human impact of the ongoing xenophobic campaigns in South Africa.
