By Ziyah News Netwok
THE Government has appealed for increased support from the private sector, humanitarian agencies, development partners, churches and well-wishers as efforts to repatriate Zimbabwean nationals stranded in South Africa gather momentum.
In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works said it was actively mobilising resources and strengthening partnerships to facilitate the safe and dignified return of citizens currently assembled at several centres in South Africa following recent developments in that country.
The ministry, through the Department of Civil Protection, said the repatriation exercise was being coordinated jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, with assistance being mobilised to provide food, temporary shelter and transport for returnees to designated reception centres in Zimbabwe.
Government is also tapping into the Emergency Fund to finance the humanitarian operation as part of broader national response efforts.
According to the ministry, more than five organisations have already come on board to support the initiative, a gesture authorities described as a demonstration of solidarity with affected citizens.
However, officials said more assistance would be required as the response expands.
“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 and many other Civil Protection activities aimed at safeguarding communities and supporting vulnerable populations,” the statement read.
Authorities said relevant departments had been activated at border posts and within communities to receive returning citizens and facilitate their reintegration.
The ministry stressed that the evolving situation required a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach” and expressed gratitude to organisations and individuals already contributing to the humanitarian response.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of renewed anti-immigrant unrest and vigilante actions in parts of South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, which have left many foreign nationals displaced, unemployed and living in fear.
Incidents reported in areas such as Mossel Bay have heightened concerns among migrant communities, while pressure from local civic groups calling for the removal of undocumented foreigners has intensified.
A June 30 deadline reportedly set by some of these groups has further increased uncertainty, prompting many migrants to seek refuge at assembly centres as they await assistance to return home.
Government has not disclosed the number of Zimbabweans expected to return or the timeframe for the repatriation exercise, but indicated that efforts were ongoing to ensure affected citizens are brought home safely and supported upon arrival.