South Africa: Zimbabweans Fleeing Xenophobia in South Africa Battle to Get HIV Medicine Back Home

49-year-old Renious Gumbi, a Zimbabwean bricklayer living in South Africa, became seriously ill after being unable to access his antiretroviral (ARV) treatment in June. Anti-immigrant groups like Operation Dubula and March and March had blocked clinics and hospitals, preventing non-citizens from receiving treatment. Gumbi returned to Zimbabwe with the help of malayitshas, but it was too late, and he died soon after his arrival.

Gumbi's widow, Senzeni, expressed frustration at South African leaders for leaving anti-migrant activists blocking her husband's access to ARV treatment, and criticized the Zimbabwean government for not having a plan for its HIV-positive citizens living in South Africa. Zimbabwe's access to ARV treatment has been impacted by the breakdown of talks between the US and Zimbabwe on future US aid for HIV and other health services.

South Africa has also been affected by the US decision to phase out HIV support, but it was not reliant on the US for antiretroviral treatment. However, the country remains strained due to systemic corruption and limited resources. In 2025, the South African High Court ruled that Operation Dudula could not bar non-citizens from health facilities, but xenophobic protests and violence forced thousands of Zimbabweans to flee South Africa.

Many Zimbabweans, like Gilbert Muzokomba and 23-year-old Nelisiwe Mugodhi, faced challenges accessing ARV treatment due to xenophobic tensions and blockages in South Africa. Once in Zimbabwe, they encountered difficulties in resuming their treatment, with some being placed on lengthy waiting lists. Muzokomba and Mugodhi's stories highlight the dire consequences of xenophobia on the health of Zimbabweans living in South Africa.