The Complex Reality of Zimbabwean Migration to South Africa

Gwanda, Zimbabwe- On the dusty roads of Nkwana village in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland South province, a scene unfolds that encapsulates a larger, complex tale of migration and survival.

Thulani Ncube, a 42-year-old cross-border driver known locally as "oMalaicha," regularly parks his South African-plated Toyota Hilux on the roadside to distribute essential supplies to the villagers. His deliveries include groceries, blankets, and an envelope of cash—resources meant to bridge the gap between loved ones spread across borders.

However, Ncube's fortnightly journeys are more than just acts of service; they are a lifeline, ferrying goods and sometimes people, between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Most of his deliveries involve smuggling to avoid the high costs of official declarations, a necessity dictated by the economic hardships faced by his clients. "There are goods we declare, but some we smuggle them in and out," Ncube admitted to Al Jazeera, highlighting the desperate measures taken to sustain families straddling poverty.

The backdrop of this narrative is a decades-long migration pattern, driven by Zimbabwe's political turmoil and economic decline. Over a million Zimbabweans have relocated to South Africa, seeking relief and opportunities absent in their homeland.

This exodus has spawned a unique industry of Malaicha—drivers like Ncube who navigate the precarious paths of unofficial cross-border transactions.

The socio-economic ties between Zimbabweans and South Africa are deep, with remittances from migrants providing crucial support to families back home. In Gohole village, 161km from the Beitbridge border, village head Courage Moyo is one of many reliant on these remittances.

"I have lost seven cattle paying oMalaicha to transport my children to South Africa," Moyo shared, illustrating the high costs of migration. His situation is a stark reminder of the sacrifices many Zimbabweans make to secure a semblance of stability and safety.

As South Africa approaches a critical election, the potential tightening of immigration policies looms large, threatening the delicate balance that migrants like Ncube and the communities they support have managed to maintain. The election's outcome could redefine the rules of engagement for Zimbabweans in South Africa, where they currently navigate a labyrinth of legal and social challenges.

Political discussions in South Africa have put the spotlight on migration, with varying perspectives across the political spectrum. From proposals to overhaul the immigration system to debates about the economic impact of foreign workers, the discourse is charged with high stakes.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP), a lifeline for many, faces uncertainty, with its future dependent on the shifting sands of political will.

In the shadow of these political maneuvers, the cost of legal migration remains prohibitive for many Zimbabweans, as passport fees soar beyond the average monthly income.

This financial barrier only exacerbates the issue of irregular migration, with many opting to risk illegal crossings in search of better prospects.

This complex tapestry of migration, economic necessity, and political uncertainty paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by Zimbabwean migrants and the communities that depend on them.

As South Africa's election nears, the fate of these interconnected lives hangs in the balance, making each political debate, each policy change, and each border crossing a pivotal moment in the ongoing story of Zimbabwean migration.