The actual video shows President Mnangagwa addressing the COMESA heads of State and Government in 2025.
This X post claiming Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa said its people will walk back home the same way they walked to South Africa is ALTERED.
“Zimbabwe’s President says its people will walk back home the same way they walked to South Africa; because he doesn’t have a budget to transport them for free before 30 June,” reads part of the post.
South Africa is facing rising public tension as anti-immigration coalitions and civil society groups have declared June 30 as an ultimatum for all undocumented migrants to leave the country. This looming date has sparked widespread anxiety, leading to localised protests and heightened security measures.
Zimbabweans are among those affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Governments across Africa are intervening to rescue their citizens by providing accommodation at safe places and transporting back home their people.
Did President Mnangagwa make the statement?
A Google image reverse search by The Besana Mail – Zim Truth Radar found that the photo used is a screenshot from a video of President Mnangagwa speaking during the 24th COMESA Heads of State and Governments Summit in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.
The 2026 edition of the same summit has not been held, which Zimbabwe anticipated to host it some time late this year in Zimbabwe as the country takes the COMESA chairmanship.
President Mnangagwa has not spoken publicly about the renewed xenophobic attacks. But, ruling ZANU-PF party national spokesperson Ambassador Christopher Mutswanga while visiting South Africa said Zimbabwe is repatriating its citizens and is ready to give them economic opportunities once back in the country.
Findings show that, the government of Zimbabwe has actually moved in to assist Zimbabweans facing xenophobia in South Africa with transport to those willing to come home
According to the government spokesperson Nick Mangwana, Zimbabwe has to date repatriated 660 of its citizens from South Africa.
“The Government of Zimbabwe, like any administration that truly values its people, holds the safety and well-being of its nationals as a matter of deepest concern. To date, we have been able to repatriate 660 of our citizens from South Africa, and we remain committed to supporting all those who wish to return home. If you or someone you know requires assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our embassy and consulates. We will leave no one behind,” reads Mangwana’s post.
The Besana Mail – Zim Truth Radar examined an X post claiming Zimbabwe’s President said its people will walk back home the same way they walked to South Africa, and found it to be ALTERED.
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