Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere-Senior Reporter
A MASSIVE Government-led repatriation and reintegration programme has assisted nearly 100 000 Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, as authorities intensify efforts to cushion citizens affected by anti-migrant unrest and growing hostility towards foreigners in parts of the neighbouring country.
Latest figures presented to Cabinet yesterday show that 99 418 citizens were assisted to return home between May 28 and July 10, making it one of the largest co-ordinated repatriation exercises undertaken by Government in recent years.
The returnees have been arriving through Beitbridge Border Post amid ongoing anti-migrant protests, vigilante actions and unofficial campaigns targeting foreigners in parts of South Africa.
Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Government, working through an Inter-Ministerial Committee and development partners, had significantly scaled up support systems to cater for the increasing number of returnees.
“The nation is being informed that through collaborative efforts, the Inter-Ministerial Committee and development partners facilitated the return of 99 418 citizens between 28 May and 10 July, 2026,” said Minister Soda.
“More than 70 percent of the returnees are women and children. Government noted that the number of Zimbabwean nationals requiring repatriation and reintegration assistance has continued to increase, and measures have been put in place to meet the growing demand.
“The nation is being further informed that other nationals from Malawi and Zambia arriving at Beitbridge are being assisted through their respective embassies, with appropriate arrangements being put in place for assistance to be rendered to any other nationals facing challenges as they transit to their countries of origin.”
He said Government was pleased to note that the Border Management Committee, incorporating the Department of Immigration, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, the Vehicle Inspection Department and Zimbabwe Borders, has intensified measures to facilitate efficient immigration processes of all returnees, including through clearing of buses and trucks transporting returnees.
The repatriation programme has involved multiple Government ministries, the Zimbabwean Embassy and consulates in South Africa, international organisations and local humanitarian agencies.
In recent weeks, Government has deployed buses to ferry returnees from reception centres in South Africa and Beitbridge to their destinations across the country.
Private sector players and charitable organisations have also assisted with transport, food supplies and other relief materials.
Reception centres established at Beitbridge have been providing temporary shelter, meals, medical assistance and psychosocial support, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Health authorities have also strengthened disease surveillance and emergency healthcare services to ensure the safe reintegration of returnees.
Minister Soda said the Ministry of Health and Child Care and its partners continued to provide critical health services.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care, with its partners Medicines Sans Frontiers and the Higher Life Foundation, is providing essential health care, with over 191 000 patients having been attended to and 870 children screened for malnutrition, while 15 cases of diarrhoea have been identified and treated,” he said.
Minister Soda assured the nation that efforts to render assistance to returning nationals will continue in order to ensure their smooth reintegration.
“Meanwhile, the security services will continue to monitor illegal entries at undesignated points, especially in Beitbridge and Plumtree.”
Cabinet also noted the support extended by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who recently donated foodstuffs and other essential supplies to assist returning Zimbabweans.
“The timely efforts of Her Excellency, the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa are noted, in particular her generous donation to the Beitbridge Repatriation Centre, which she toured on 7th July, 2026.
“The donation included 30 tonnes of rice, 20 tonnes of mealie-meal, more than 5 000 track suits, 1 500 diapers and 1 500 units of sanitary wear material for women, which assisted greatly in the repatriation and reintegration initiatives underway.
“Government expresses appreciation for all citizens efforts to ensure seamless integration of returnees,” Minister Soda said.
At the start of the repatriation exercise, Government introduced a range of reintegration measures aimed at helping returnees rebuild their lives, including easing the importation of personal and household effects, facilitating access to social services and linking families to community support structures.
Officials say the interventions are guided by the Second Republic’s commitment to protecting citizens wherever they may be and ensuring that no Zimbabwean returning home is left without assistance.
As the situation in South Africa continues to evolve, authorities say contingency plans remain in place to accommodate additional returnees while maintaining efficient border management, humanitarian support and national security systems.
