The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, through the Department of Civil Protection, directs the operation. It works closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Officials have drawn on the Emergency Fund to strengthen the exercise as part of ongoing disaster management. They have also partnered with private sector companies, humanitarian agencies, development partners, non-governmental organisations and church groups.

These partners help supply food assistance, temporary accommodation and transport services. More than five organisations have joined the initiative so far. Government departments have activated teams at border posts and in local communities to receive returnees and support their reintegration.

Reception arrangements now focus on a safe, organised welcome for those who decide to return. The government has thanked all contributors to the national humanitarian effort.

Mutsvangwa Stresses Voluntary Returns and Economic Capacity

Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa visited South Africa over the weekend and spoke to Newzroom Africa about the situation. He described the protests targeting foreign nationals as “an exploitation of the poor by the poor.”

Mutsvangwa stressed that Zimbabweans had moved to South Africa voluntarily and remained free to return the same way. He expressed no concerns about their reintegration.

“We have no particular misgivings about Zimbabweans coming back home,” he said. “We have the ability to absorb them because our economy is now doing very well. We are creating a genuine African middle class.”

He added that the government has already created institutions to receive returning citizens. Immigration authorities will treat those bringing property as a special case and exempt them from standard customs duties.

Context of Rising Tensions and Recent Returns

The intensified operation comes amid heightened xenophobic tensions in South Africa. Anti-migrant groups have set a 30 June 2026 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave, raising fears of further unrest.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, recently stated that the government has already repatriated 660 citizens from South Africa. He reaffirmed the commitment to support anyone who wishes to return and urged those in need to contact Zimbabwe’s embassy or consulates in Pretoria, Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Transport support is arranged on a case-by-case basis, and help desks operate at diplomatic missions. Other countries have launched similar assistance programmes for their nationals.