Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 179
- 97
The Government has allocated US$2 million to assist Zimbabwean nationals returning home from South Africa amid growing concerns over rising anti-immigrant sentiment and fears of a resurgence of xenophobic violence.
The announcement was made by Nathan Nkomo, Chief Director of the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, who said the funds have been set aside to ensure returning citizens receive the necessary support upon arrival in Zimbabwe.
According to Nkomo, the allocation forms part of the Government's preparedness measures as concerns continue to grow over the safety of Zimbabweans and other African migrants living in South Africa.
The move follows increasing reports of anti-immigrant rhetoric and campaigns in parts of South Africa, which have raised fears among foreign nationals of a repeat of the xenophobic attacks that have occurred in previous years. Those outbreaks of violence claimed lives, left many injured, and forced thousands of migrants to flee their homes and businesses.
Zimbabwe has one of the largest migrant communities in South Africa, with many citizens living and working there in search of employment and better economic opportunities. Any escalation in anti-foreigner violence has the potential to affect thousands of Zimbabweans.
Government says the US$2 million will be used to provide assistance to citizens who choose or are forced to return home. The support is expected to include transportation, reception, and other humanitarian interventions to help ease their reintegration into communities.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how many Zimbabweans are expected to return or how the funds will be distributed, but officials say contingency plans are already in place should the situation in South Africa deteriorate.
The Government has previously coordinated repatriation efforts during periods of unrest in South Africa, particularly during the xenophobic attacks witnessed in 2008, 2015, and 2019, when hundreds of Zimbabweans were assisted to return home.
The latest funding announcement comes as Zimbabwe closely monitors developments in South Africa, with authorities urging citizens to remain calm while efforts continue to safeguard Zimbabweans living abroad.
Source: The Herald Zimbabwe
The announcement was made by Nathan Nkomo, Chief Director of the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, who said the funds have been set aside to ensure returning citizens receive the necessary support upon arrival in Zimbabwe.
According to Nkomo, the allocation forms part of the Government's preparedness measures as concerns continue to grow over the safety of Zimbabweans and other African migrants living in South Africa.
The move follows increasing reports of anti-immigrant rhetoric and campaigns in parts of South Africa, which have raised fears among foreign nationals of a repeat of the xenophobic attacks that have occurred in previous years. Those outbreaks of violence claimed lives, left many injured, and forced thousands of migrants to flee their homes and businesses.
Zimbabwe has one of the largest migrant communities in South Africa, with many citizens living and working there in search of employment and better economic opportunities. Any escalation in anti-foreigner violence has the potential to affect thousands of Zimbabweans.
Government says the US$2 million will be used to provide assistance to citizens who choose or are forced to return home. The support is expected to include transportation, reception, and other humanitarian interventions to help ease their reintegration into communities.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how many Zimbabweans are expected to return or how the funds will be distributed, but officials say contingency plans are already in place should the situation in South Africa deteriorate.
The Government has previously coordinated repatriation efforts during periods of unrest in South Africa, particularly during the xenophobic attacks witnessed in 2008, 2015, and 2019, when hundreds of Zimbabweans were assisted to return home.
The latest funding announcement comes as Zimbabwe closely monitors developments in South Africa, with authorities urging citizens to remain calm while efforts continue to safeguard Zimbabweans living abroad.
Source: The Herald Zimbabwe
