Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 100
- 45
Zimbabwe's Government says nearly 100,000 citizens have been assisted to return home from South Africa in one of the country's largest repatriation and reintegration programmes in recent years, as anti-migrant tensions continue to affect foreign nationals across parts of South Africa.
According to figures presented to Cabinet, 99,418 Zimbabweans were assisted between May 28 and July 10, 2026, through a coordinated effort involving Government ministries, development partners, humanitarian organisations and Zimbabwe's diplomatic missions in South Africa.
Many of the returnees have entered Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge Border Post, where authorities have strengthened support services to accommodate the growing number of people seeking assistance.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the majority of those returning are among the most vulnerable members of society.
"More than 70 percent of the returnees are women and children," he said, adding that Government has increased resources to respond to the rising demand for repatriation and reintegration support.
The return programme comes amid ongoing anti-foreigner demonstrations and vigilante actions in some South African communities, which have left many migrants feeling unsafe and prompted thousands to seek assistance to return to their home countries.
Zimbabwean authorities say they are also working with the embassies of Malawi and Zambia to assist citizens of those countries passing through Beitbridge on their journey home.
To manage the influx, the Border Management Committee — which includes immigration officials, customs authorities and transport regulators — has intensified efforts to speed up border clearance procedures for buses and trucks transporting returnees.
Government, together with humanitarian partners, has established reception centres at Beitbridge where returning citizens receive temporary accommodation, meals, medical care and psychosocial support. Special attention is being given to women, children, older persons and people living with disabilities.
Health services have also been expanded as part of the reintegration effort. Dr Soda said the Ministry of Health and Child Care, working with humanitarian partners including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Higherlife Foundation, has provided healthcare services to more than 191,000 people.
In addition, 870 children have been screened for malnutrition, while 15 cases of diarrhoea were detected and treated.
Authorities say reintegration support goes beyond emergency assistance. Returnees are being helped to access social services, reconnect with their families and communities, and transport their personal belongings back into the country.
The Government has also acknowledged contributions from private companies, charitable organisations and community groups that have provided transport, food supplies and other forms of support to returning families.
Cabinet further recognised assistance from First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who recently visited the Beitbridge Repatriation Centre and donated food and essential supplies. The donation included 30 tonnes of rice, 20 tonnes of mealie-meal, more than 5,000 tracksuits, 1,500 diapers and 1,500 sanitary wear packs for women.
Zimbabwean authorities say they remain prepared for additional arrivals should conditions in South Africa lead to further returns. Security agencies are also monitoring illegal border crossings around Beitbridge and Plumtree while maintaining humanitarian support for those arriving through official entry points.
Officials say the programme reflects the country's commitment to ensuring that Zimbabweans returning home are supported as they rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
Source: The Herald
