Govt deploys teams to register returnees in SA

Mrs Philisiwe Chidawanyika

Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub

GOVERNMENT teams have been deployed across South Africa to register Zimbabweans keen to come home following xenophobic attacks and threats targeting migrants in parts of that country.

So far, 139 Zimbabweans have been repatriated through the Beitbridge Border Post after fleeing the violence.

A third bus carrying 62 passengers left KwaZulu Natal yesterday around 4pm and was expected to arrive at Beitbridge Border Post around 2am today.

Government has availed sufficient buses to facilitate the return of Zimbabweans who wish to come home before the end of the month.

In an interview yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s director of public diplomacy, communication and advocacy, Mrs Philisiwe Chidawanyika, said the Zimbabwe Embassy and consular offices in Pretoria and Cape Town were compiling lists of citizens willing to return home.

“The Government has deployed teams across South Africa to register its citizens who are willing to come back home,” she said.

“These people will be ferried by buses either today or tomorrow to ensure their safe travel back home. A third bus left South Africa yesterday at 4pm and is expected to arrive at Beitbridge Border Post at 2am. Our embassy is working on processing the necessary profiling so that they can allocate the required buses.”

Mrs Chidawanyika said embassy staff in Pretoria and Cape Town are profiling “many people willing to come back home”.

“Our embassies will remain open to assist our citizens,” she said.

“Two buses have already crossed over. More are expected, and the number of buses will be determined as more Zimbabweans approach the embassy and consulates for assistance”.

Mrs Chidawanyika urged Zimbabweans wishing to return home to contact the embassy to facilitate their safe travel.

She said Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and its diplomatic missions, remains committed to promoting and protecting the welfare of Zimbabweans living abroad, in line with Section 35 of the Constitution.

“Our embassies in the region are in contact with Zimbabweans who have registered their presence and are ready to assist with repatriation should this be deemed necessary.

“Zimbabweans living abroad continue to be urged to register their presence with the nearest embassy or consulate of Zimbabwe to facilitate communication and timely sharing of important information,” Mrs Chidawanyika said.

Embassy officials in South Africa continue to document and assist Zimbabweans seeking voluntary repatriation amid growing safety concerns.

The ongoing repatriation programme is part of Government efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Zimbabwean citizens living abroad while providing support to those affected by the recent unrest.