Tribalism has started rearing its ugly head among Zimbabweans living in South Africa.
Although there are yet to be physical confrontation, the social media has witnessed shameful spats among country who are seeking a better life in the rainbow nation.
The Ndebeles accuse the Shonas of hounding them out of the country and then running it down as they are “clueless”.
The also claim Shonas stereotype them as uneducated while in actual fact the Ndebele have a meek, keen interest to learn.
A huge chunk of the estimated 3 million Zimbabweans in South Africa are Ndebele speaking.
According to Zimbabwe Community in South Africa chairperson Nqabutho Mabhena,” Tribalism is a reality in our society, the regime in Zimbabwe failed to deal with this question post-independence and it remains unresolved. The split of the liberation movement in 1963 is both ideological and tribal; we have not as a country addressed this question openly to an extent that, young people are more divided than the elders on tribal lines”
Tensions are high as the rift has followed Zimbabweans across the Limpopo.
Said one Zimbabwean, “What is sad is that the Shona people laugh at us that we do not take education serious, they claim that once one finishes O level in Bulawayo all he knows is to cross to Egoli. These stereotypes are not fair.
“If you look at it realistically there are no industries in Bulawayo, our capital, so it makes no sense to take your education further. If you dig deeper you also realize that the three universities in Matebelend are not for the average person, Solusi is expensive, NUST is for top notch and Gwanda is just not there. Of course Bulawayo Polytechnic is doing wanders but this is the age of degrees.
“But be that as it may, there are so many Ndebeles who soldier on for quality qualifications but are still stereotyped.”
Now with foreigners burdening resources in South Africa, a fault line has been drawn that Shonas must go back to Zimbabwe, while the Ndebeles plan the establishment of Mtwakazi Free State.
A language and culture expert has warned that the Ndebeles were developing a dangerous element of entitlement in South Africa.
“It’s only normal because since they fall under the Nguni family they assume they must feel at home when they are in South Africa.
“However they must make no mistake to think that those that belong to South Africa would welcome them forever. If you ask a Xhosa or a Zulu they will tell you Ndebeles are not natives.
“I advise they keep good relations with their home boys so that one day when they need to return to Zimbabwe it’s all cozy for them.”
With elections facing South Africa and Zimbabwe, ethnicity differences are likely to heighten, if this continues unchecked may have dire consequences.
Zimbabweans need to unite despite race, gender and tribe as they march in watershed 2018 elections.
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