Business leader and former Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Busisa Moyo says the repatriation of foreign nationals from South Africa (SA) has severely impacted the country’s businesses—particularly in service delivery and commercial sectors—urging authorities to apply artificial intelligence (AI) in immigration control for economic benefit.
This comes as anti-migrant sentiment has surged in recent months, leading to a nationwide march on 30 June.
Protest organizers vow to continue the raids and forced removal of foreign nationals, despite warnings that these actions will backfire on the very businesses and labor markets they claim to protect
In a post on X, Moyo said: “Having spent a few days in SA there is a sombre feeling over the place. I have it on good grounds that service delivery especially the dial-a-delivery system is totally significantly dysfunctional.”
“Volumes are down 50-60 percent because there is simply no drivers of cars & motor bikes to execute the orders,” the industrialist and United Refineries chief executive said, adding that he “heard frightening numbers of the losses that commercial sectors are facing at a seminar I attended”.
Moyo said authorities must use modern technologies like AI to control migration in ways that foster economic benefits.
“I think in this day of AI immigration can be tracked, monitored, even controlled for economic advantage and even seasonal gains when needed,” he said.
Moyo said “a functional, prosperous and well-resourced SA is good for the region and for the world”.
Economists have warned that foreigners’ departure from SA could create labour shortages in business sectors that have long relied on foreign labour – especially construction, agriculture, retail and delivery services – while also undermining the country’s vast and growing informal economy.
Estimates indicate there are between two and three million Zimbabweans currently living in South Africa, most of whom went to seek economic opportunities.
The Zimbabwean government has so far processed the return of approximately 100 000 citizens from SA since late May, driven by heightened anti-immigrant the sentiment and threats.