Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
OVER 5 000 Zimbabweans who fled South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks have been safely repatriated through a joint operation led by Government and the Bridging Gap Foundation.
The returnees are being picked up at Beitbridge Border Post.
In a repatriation report released yesterday, Stallion Cruise, the bus company contracted to transport the passengers from Beitbridge, confirmed it had completed 72 dedicated trips to various destinations across the country.
Stallion cruise bus company also thanked Bridging Gap Foundation for choosing them to transport the returnees from Beitbridge across the country .
“During this period of national difficulty, Stallion Cruise extends its sincere gratitude to the Government of Zimbabwe under the leadership of His Excellency, President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, and to the Bridging Gap Foundation for their steadfast support in facilitating the safe return of Zimbabweans.So far we have ferried more than 5 000 passengers from Beitbridge with more people still at the border waiting to be ferried to their destinations.Thousands of Zimbabweans are returning home and we expect to continue ferrying the passengers untill next month ” read the company statement.
The buses have ferried families, students, traders and workers from the border into Zimbabwe. For many, the journey marked the end of weeks of fear and uncertainty.
“This operation stands as testimony to what becomes possible when State and private sector move in unison for the welfare of the nation,” the statement added.
“The dignity of return is not merely logistics — it is the restoration of belonging.”
Government officials receiving returnees at Beitbridge said the exercise forms part of broader efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Zimbabweans abroad. The Bridging Gap Foundation has been Transportation, providing food, counselling and temporary shelter to families on arrival at the border.
Returnees described relief at being home. Many said they left behind businesses and belongings, but were grateful to be alive and reunited with their families.
Stallion cruise management said Bridging Gap Foundation had remained committed to provide funds so as to serving the people of Zimbabwe “with excellence and honour” and pledged to continue assisting in any future national emergency response.
The latest repatriation has brought to the fore ongoing concerns about xenophobia in the region. President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa has called for calm and urged South African authorities to ensure the protection of all foreign nationals.
