More than 58,700 Zimbabweans have returned home from South Africa as authorities intensify action against undocumented migrants, according to the Zimbabwean government.
The Office of the President and Cabinet said 11,065 Zimbabweans had been repatriated with government assistance by Thursday, while another 47,703 returned voluntarily, bringing the total to 58,768.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed authorities to receive returning citizens with dignity and support them through reintegration programmes.
Deputy Chief Secretary George Charamba said the government views the returnees as an economic asset, pointing to skills many gained while working in South Africa. He said those skills could support sectors including horticulture, mining and manufacturing.
Zimbabwean authorities say humanitarian support and transport are being provided to returning citizens, with assistance from development partners and private donors.
Meanwhile, more than 700 undocumented migrants, mostly Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, reportedly spent Saturday night outdoors after a repatriation centre in Epping, Cape Town, was closed.
Many had been working on farms outside Cape Town. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde urged those who did not board buses to Musina to seek help from their embassies or consulates.
Volunteers later provided food and basic hygiene supplies, while Cape Town law enforcement monitored the area. Gift of the Givers said permission had not been granted for a tent to shelter the stranded migrants.