Foreign nationals in South Africa prepare lawsuit against government over xenophobic violence
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
Foreign nationals residing in South Africa, including Zimbabweans, are organizing a human rights and civil liability lawsuit against the South African government. The legal action addresses recurring xenophobic violence, discrimination, and alleged police inaction. Organizers are collecting evidence from migrants who have experienced injuries, property loss, harassment, or discrimination during these attacks. The lawsuit targets the South African government, the South African Police Service SAPS, and other state institutions for allegedly failing to protect foreign nationals. The legal team plans to use the South African law of delict, focusing on "police inaction and complicity." Additionally, they intend to approach Equality Courts for victims denied access to healthcare, education, and other public services due to their nationality. Complaints will also be filed with constitutional oversight bodies like the South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC and the Public Protector, addressing state complicity, hate speech, systemic discrimination, and administrative failures. Victims and witnesses are urged to preserve evidence such as videos and photographs, as perpetrators may face individual legal consequences. The organizers aim to sue individual participants and the South African government as an "entity enabler of xenophobic atrocities." Legal experts and human rights lawyers are invited to join the initiative. This comes as civic groups have set a June 30 deadline to forc
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Must ReadZimbabwean businesses are experiencing increased confidence and investment, as evidenced by RTG's 32% jump in revenues and the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange ZMX recording US$1.28 million in trades. South Africa remains Zimbabwe's largest trading partner, with exports valued at US$2.2 billion and imports at US$3.79 billion last year. Efforts are underway to transform the Limpopo border into an economic corridor between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Stanbic Bank is deepening its partnership with the mining sector, extending US$227 million in credit support, while African Mining Week aims to boost investment in Zimbabwe. Additionally, Umguza is leading the way in solar and biogas for rural energy, and the VFEX shows stability. However, political tensions persist, with reports of violent attacks and forced evictions at grasslands plots, and 30 protestors were arrested in Bulawayo. War veterans have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the War Veterans Board. In other news, Chivayo confirmed purchasing a R160 million mansion in Cape Town.
Zimbabwe's tobacco auction prices have rebounded, with the total volume for the 2025/2026 marketing season projected to surpass the 355 million kilograms achieved in the previous year, despite a softer pricing environment.
Must ReadZimbabwe is experiencing significant economic developments, including a US$4.4 billion investment from China aimed at modernizing the country. The mining sector is receiving a boost, with African Mining Week targeting increased investment and Stanbic Bank extending US$227 million in credit support. The Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange ZMX is seeing rising confidence, with trades hitting US$1.28 million. The tobacco industry is also showing positive signs, with auction prices rebounding and the total volume for the 2025/2026 marketing season expected to exceed 355 million kilograms. However, challenges persist, such as power outages and raw material shortages affecting ART operations, and a manufacturer reporting declines in export and paper division volumes by 6% and 26% respectively in the third quarter to June 2022. Political tensions are also noted, with reports of violent attacks and forced evictions at grasslands plots.