In a poignant display of desperation and fear, a group of Zimbabweans was caught on camera fleeing from a construction site in South Africa upon the arrival of immigration police.
The scene, which quickly spread across social media, underscores the harsh realities faced by many Zimbabweans seeking better opportunities abroad.
The footage was shared by X user @Pachisolife, who expressed deep sympathy for his fellow citizens.
His post read: “No need to lie about Zimbabwe friends: Zim elite say ‘we are growing the economy towards 2030, we want 3rd term bla bla bla.’ Reality on the ground below. Watch as hungry & desperate Zimbabweans run away from a construction site in SA after seeing immigration police arrive.”
The video sparked a flurry of reactions, highlighting a mix of empathy, frustration, and critical commentary. One user, @Spade37295887, questioned the plight of the fleeing workers: “Hungry?? I thought Zimbabweans have land; why don’t they plant maize meal, beans, vegetables so that they can eat?”
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Others pointed to the broader implications of the issue. @raisethealarm2 remarked, “What do you suppose we do with hungry and desperate South Africans being displaced out of the job market?”
Some users, like @Jigaman15, noted that the problem extended beyond Zimbabweans alone: “There’s also Mozambicans, Malawians, and Sothos there, not only Zimbabweans. My guy, you can hate your country as much as you want, but don’t lie; just tell the truth.”
The video also elicited calls for action from within Zimbabwe. @wegonera stated, “Very sad. Youths must fight for their dignity in Zimbabwe.”
Contrary to the predominant narrative, some comments highlighted the diversity of the immigrant workforce. @MhuriroFarai observed, “This is a mixture of mostly Mozambicans, Malawians, and a few Zimbabweans. Zimbabweans are leaving SA at a very fast pace. You get them in hotels, restaurants where there is money because the Rand is now useless in Zim. There’s no need to get peanuts in construction.”
Other users emphasized the harsh conditions faced by these workers. @Munyara80978142 pointed out, “They are also not in work suits, no PPE, cheap labour, and we Zimbos are used like slaves, no rights, and blamed for stealing jobs.”
The discussion even touched on the broader implications of labeling immigrants.
@mbizidube1 asked, “Cde, so are you saying that the people who are called immigrants are only Zimbabwean nationals?”
Watch video below:
