Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
ZIMBABWEANS returning home from South Africa through Government-assisted evacuation have commended the State for stepping in during a difficult time.
The returnees are passing through the Reception and Support Centre in Beitbridge, where they receive transport, food, counselling, health care and other support before continuing to their home areas.
Government has since said it will keep scaling up support for as long as evacuations continue.
With more partners on board and the Department of Immigration maintaining order at the border, the plan is to ensure that every Zimbabwean coming home is counted, cared for, and moved on in safety.
Dozens of buses are on standby in Beitbridge to transport those arriving from South Africa to various destinations in the country.
Several other partners are working with the State, such as the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, which is providing tracing and free phone call services so returnees can contact families.
The International Organisation for Migration, IOM, is assisting with transport while UNICEF is supporting child protection and sanitation. Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF, is offering health care and is set to deploy two doctors to the clinic at the centre.
The National Aids Council, NAC, is also on the ground offering voluntary HIV prevention and treatment services.
Officials say coordination between Government and its partners and community organisations like Safe Haven has helped keep services running smoothly as more people arrive.
Government began evacuating Zimbabweans from troubled areas in South Africa on 28 May 2026, following anti-migrant protests.
President Mnangagwa has directed all arms of Government to ensure a dignified repatriation and reintegration process for all Zimbabweans in distress in South Africa. The response is now wider, with more partners joining Government.
Presidential Advisor on Special Projects, Dr Paul Tungwarara, has delivered lunch packs to families at the centre. Coordination on the ground is being led by Dr Chipo Maketo, working with Safe Haven, an organisation led by Mr Claude and Babongile Gora. Safe Haven focuses on gender-based violence and social protection for migrants.
“As of Tuesday we had distributed 1,700 lunch packs to Zimbabweans leaving Beitbridge for different places,” Dr Maketo said. “We will continue with this support as more people arrive. The need is still there and we are prepared to meet returnees as they come through.
“The food support is meant to complement what Government is already doing on the ground to ensure returnees are received with dignity and do not go hungry after a long journey,” she added.
Mr Ernest Runhare, who stayed in Durban for two months, said he was now heading to Chiredzi.
“I am grateful to Government. South Africa became difficult for us. When we heard that Zimbabwe was bringing people home, we had hope. The buses, the food and the way we were received here shows that the Government cares,” he said.
Ms Lena Mutanda, who was travelling from Chatsworth in KwaZulu-Natal Province to Masvingo Province, said Government support made a big difference. “I appreciate the transport, the food, the counselling and the moral support,” she said. “It was not easy leaving behind everything, but at least we are not coming home empty-handed.
The officers and volunteers spoke to us with respect. That alone gives us strength.”
Miss Shamisai Dhliwayo went to South Africa in 2025 and is now headed for Cheche praised the agencies working at the border to make evacuation smooth.
“I thank the multi-agencies and Government, especially for food and hygiene kits for men, women and children,” Miss Dhliwayo said. “The kits are helping families to start well. We were treated like people who matter.”
Mr Cephas Mareya from Masvingo said he was happy to be safely evacuated.
“My message to those arriving and those still to come from South Africa is to stay calm. There is help at Beitbridge. We will rebuild from here,” she said.
Many returnees said they hope the situation will improve in South Africa for fellow Zimbabweans who remain behind.
The Department of Immigration said traffic at Beitbridge remains high, but systems are in place to handle it.
Regional Immigration Officer for the Southern Region, Mr Joshua Chibundu, said officers are managing the influx without disrupting normal border operations. The Southern Region covers Beitbridge, Sango, Chiredzi and Masvingo.
“As of Tuesday, officers had handled 976 people who returned on self-repatriation, while another 1 132 people arrived through Government-assisted evacuation,” Mr Chibundu said.
