The government has intensified efforts to facilitate the safe return of Zimbabwean nationals stranded in South Africa and is appealing for additional support from stakeholders to strengthen ongoing repatriation operations.
The repatriation efforts come amid escalating anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa, where protests led by anti-migrant groups have heightened fears among foreign nationals. The unrest, driven by concerns over illegal immigration, unemployment and crime, has prompted several African countries to begin evacuating their citizens, with hundreds of Zimbabweans reportedly seeking refuge at diplomatic missions and temporary shelters while awaiting assistance.
In a statement, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works said it is working through the Department of Civil Protection to mobilise resources and strengthen partnerships with the private sector, humanitarian organisations, development partners, non-governmental organisations and church groups to assist citizens gathered at various centres in South Africa following recent developments in that country.
The ministry said the repatriation exercise is being coordinated jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to ensure affected Zimbabweans return home safely and with dignity.
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“The coordinated support efforts by the Ministries of Local Government and Public Works and Foreign Affairs and International Trade are focused on facilitating the safe and dignified return of affected citizens back home,” the ministry said.
According to the statement, assistance currently being mobilised includes food supplies, temporary shelter and transport services from South Africa to designated reception centres in Zimbabwe.
The government has also activated the Emergency Fund to mobilise resources and finance the repatriation programme as part of broader national humanitarian response efforts.
“To date, the ministry has engaged more than five organisations that are already supporting this important humanitarian cause. We remain grateful for the assistance and solidarity demonstrated thus far by our partners and stakeholders,” the statement said.
Authorities said relevant departments had been placed on high alert to receive returnees at border entry points and assist with their reintegration into communities across the country.
The ministry urged more organisations and individuals to contribute towards the humanitarian response, saying additional support was needed to sustain repatriation efforts and other Civil Protection activities aimed at protecting vulnerable communities.
“The response to this escalating situation requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” the ministry said.
The government also expressed appreciation to organisations and individuals who have already contributed towards humanitarian interventions and national emergency response efforts.
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