Zimbabwe's Urgent Plea: Govt Seeks Aid for South Africa Repatriation Ahead of June 30 Deadline

The Zimbabwean government has issued an urgent appeal to various stakeholders, including the private sector, humanitarian organizations, development partners, churches, and well-wishers, for additional support in its ongoing efforts to repatriate Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa. This appeal comes as anti-migrant groups in South Africa have set a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country. Tensions have significantly escalated in recent times, leading to reports of some foreigners being killed and injured, prompting several African nations like Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Ghana to commence repatriating their citizens.

Zimbabweans constitute one of the largest affected migrant communities in South Africa, with estimates suggesting millions have relocated over the past two decades primarily in search of employment opportunities. The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is spearheading the coordination of support to ensure the safe and dignified return of affected Zimbabweans. The assistance being mobilized includes essential provisions such as food, temporary shelter, and transportation from South Africa to designated reception centers within Zimbabwe.

In addition to stakeholder contributions, the government is also drawing resources from its Emergency Fund to finance this extensive operation, framing it as a critical component of broader national humanitarian response efforts. Authorities have confirmed that more than five organizations are already engaged in supporting this exercise, while further assistance is actively being sought to bolster the repatriation program and other civil protection interventions. The Ministry specifically welcomed additional support from a wide array of entities to strengthen these ongoing efforts.

To facilitate the smooth return and reintegration of nationals, relevant government departments have been activated at border posts and within communities. The Ministry emphasized that responding to this escalating situation necessitates a comprehensive "whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach." Concurrently, Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa recently affirmed Zimbabwe's readiness to accommodate any returning citizens, asserting that the country's economy is sufficiently robust to absorb them. However, authorities have not yet disclosed the exact number of Zimbabweans currently gathered at various centers in South Africa awaiting repatriation.