ZANU PF Secretary General Jacob Mudenda has issued guidelines directing party structures across the country to prepare for the reception and reintegration of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa amid growing anti-migrant sentiment.
In a circular dated 1 July 2026 and addressed to provincial chairpersons, Mudenda said party structures should be “on high alert and ready to receive our fellow affected comrades and relatives from South Africa.”
“The ZANU PF Party urges all Party structures to be on high alert and ready to receive our fellow affected comrades and relatives from South Africa,” Mudenda said.
The directive calls on party members to welcome returnees “with love, dignity, compassion and non-discrimination” while working with government civil protection structures to coordinate their reception and reintegration.
Mudenda instructed provincial chairpersons to establish and activate party committees aligned with government civil protection structures from provincial level down to villages “to ensure full integration of all returnees within their local communities.”
The circular further outlines a “whole-of-society” approach to supporting returnees, including the provision of moral and psychosocial support, food, clothing, temporary accommodation and transport to their respective homes.
Mudenda also said post-emergency support should focus on helping returnees rebuild their lives.
“Post-emergency recovery support mechanisms include assessing investment and business potential of the individual, identifying skills, facilitating job placements and enlistment for Government and Party empowerment projects,” he said.
The Secretary General directed provincial leaders to continuously monitor the reintegration process, assess the needs of returnees and refer cases requiring further assistance to relevant government agencies.
He also instructed the party’s Department of Transport and Social Welfare to work closely with government institutions to promote the welfare of returnees and monitor all reintegration efforts.
The circular comes amid heightened concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa, where periodic anti-immigrant tensions have affected many Zimbabweans living and working in the neighbouring country.