Govt Appeals for Support to Repatriate Zimbabweans From South Africa Ahead of June 30 Deadline

The Zimbabwean government has issued an urgent appeal for assistance in repatriating its citizens currently in South Africa, ahead of a looming June 30 deadline imposed by anti-migrant groups.

The government is calling on the private sector, humanitarian organizations, development partners, churches, and individuals to contribute resources to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Zimbabweans. This comes amid escalating tensions and violence against foreign nationals in South Africa, with several individuals reportedly killed or injured.

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Assistance being mobilised includes food provisions, temporary shelter and transportation from South Africa to designated reception centres in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabweans constitute one of the largest migrant communities in South Africa, with millions having relocated over the past two decades in search of economic opportunities. The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is coordinating the repatriation efforts, which include mobilizing food provisions, temporary shelter, and transportation from South Africa to designated reception centers within Zimbabwe.

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The Ministry welcomes additional support from the private sector, humanitarian agencies, development partners, NGOs, church organisations and all well-wishers to strengthen ongoing repatriation efforts.

Resources are being allocated from the Emergency Fund as part of broader national humanitarian response initiatives. Authorities have engaged more than five organizations to support the repatriation program and are actively seeking further assistance to bolster these efforts. Relevant government departments have been activated at border posts and within communities to manage the reception and reintegration of returnees, emphasizing a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach."

Despite concerns about the capacity to absorb returning citizens, Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa recently expressed confidence in Zimbabwe's economy, stating it is performing strongly enough to accommodate those returning from South Africa. However, officials have not yet disclosed the exact number of Zimbabweans awaiting repatriation.

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The response to this escalating situation requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.