Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
Zimbabwe has evacuated 696 of its citizens from South Africa since the beginning of June under an assisted voluntary repatriation programme launched in response to a surge in xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant unrest across several South African provinces.
The initiative is being implemented by the Government with support from partners including the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
According to official figures, 696 Zimbabweans had been repatriated by June 15, comprising 405 adults and 291 accompanied children.
Most of the returnees were displaced from the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, where anti-immigrant protests have intensified in recent weeks, in some cases turning violent.
The majority of those returning are arriving through Beitbridge Border Post aboard buses hired by the Government.
Zimbabwe’s Embassy in South Africa has deployed teams across affected areas to assist nationals impacted by the unrest.
The mission has also issued a safety advisory urging Zimbabweans to avoid areas experiencing violence, carry identification documents at all times and report threats to local police or the nearest Zimbabwean mission.
IOM Zimbabwe spokesperson Mrs Fadzai Nyamande-Pangeti said the organisation was working closely with national authorities and humanitarian partners to monitor developments and adjust support in line with emerging needs.
“In line with evolving operational needs, the organisation has scaled up support at Beitbridge to include meal assistance and onward transport to inland destinations across Zimbabwe, ensuring that returnees are able to continue their journeys safely to their communities of origin,” she said.
“This includes facilitating transport to destinations such as Harare, Gweru and Mutare, while also providing meal assistance to address immediate needs during transit.
“These extended services complement ongoing support provided at points of entry and are part of a broader, coordinated response led by the Government of Zimbabwe, with IOM strengthening systems, enhancing screening and referral mechanisms, and supporting access to protection services where needed.”
Upon arrival at Beitbridge, returnees are being processed through reception facilities managed by national authorities.
“Immediate assistance typically includes registration and profiling, provision of food and water, basic non-food items, health screening and referrals, psychosocial support, and information services, all aimed at ensuring assistance is delivered in a safe, dignified and orderly manner,” said Mrs Nyamande-Pangeti.
Zimbabwe is among several African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique and Nigeria, that have initiated voluntary emergency repatriation programmes for citizens affected by the latest wave of anti-immigrant unrest in South Africa.
