Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure and Luthando Mapepa
THE Government has activated Civil Protection Committee structures across Manicaland to mobilise holding centres, food, medicines, and other essentials for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa in the wake of violent attacks.
The measures aim to ensure that no returnee is left stranded while longer term solutions are pursued.
The intervention, rolled out across all districts under the directive of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is aimed at providing returning citizens with immediate support to rebuild their lives.
The mass return follows the expiry of South Africa’s June 30, 2026 deadline, and a resurgence of hostility from vigilante groups targeting undocumented foreign nationals, whom they accuse of taking jobs and economic opportunities.
Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abiot Maronge, confirmed the arrangements yesterday (Thursday).
He said all District Development Coordinators (DDCs) have identified holding centres to shelter and coordinate relief for returnees in urgent need, while those with family support are being assisted to rejoin their communities directly.
“We are not going to leave anyone stranded. Government is ready to assist and provide a befitting launch-pad for returning citizens. Our holding centres across all the seven districts are ready to receive returnees who need urgent assistance,” said Mr Maronge, adding that State-assisted buses and the additional 20 donated buses are ferrying nationals from South Africa and Beitbridge Border Post, respectively, to districts across the province free of charge.
To complement the Government efforts, ZANU PF Central Committee member and Presidential Special Advisor on Empowerment and Investment, Dr Paul Tungwarara, donated 50 buses at Beitbridge Border Post on Monday to transport self-repatriating citizens free of charge.
The initiative is designed to shield returnees from exploitative fare hikes, with 20 of the 50 buses designated for Manicaland.
The first batch of 200 returnees under the arrangement arrived in Mutare on Wednesday, and received meals upon presenting national identity cards confirming residence in the province’s seven districts.
Mr Maronge said the exact numbers for returnees from Manicaland were not readily available as they were being dropped along the way instead of being taken to specific holding centres.
“So far, we do not have ready statistics. The people received in Manicaland have proceeded to join their families. As a province, we are fully prepared for those whose circumstances require assistance.
“Our DDCs have identified holding centres where such people can be temporarily accommodated while permanent solutions to their plight are being worked on. We are ready to receive them, but at the moment we have not come across any. Mobilisation of food and other essentials is on course.
“We have received a number of citizens, and those who have arrived are able to fend for themselves. Those who require support, we are going to offer them the required kind of support. We are not going to leave anyone stranded. Whatever is required, as the Government, we are ready to assist,” said Mr Maronge, adding that the operation reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to protect citizens, and provide a secure foundation for returnees to reintegrate and contribute to Vision 2030.
Authorities at Beitbridge said operations remain stable despite high numbers of Zimbabweans and Malawians self-repatriating or receiving State assistance to leave South Africa.
Regional Immigration officer for the southern region, Mr Joshua Chibundu, said processing is continuing smoothly.
“Even with the extra numbers, normal movement of people has not been affected. Commercial trucks, tourists, and daily travellers are still moving as usual,” said Mr Chibundu, adding that they deployed manpower strategically to reduce queues and keep traffic flowing.
Returnees who spoke to The Manica Post recounted terrifying attacks by members of the Operation Dudula movement and other anti-immigrant groups accusing foreigners of “stealing jobs”.
Mrs Loveness Mhlanga, of Daisy Hill, Chipinge, who lived in Dobsonville, Soweto, for eight years, said hostility intensified from May.
“We felt that we were no longer welcomed in South Africa. The problems began in May when my husband lost the premises he had been renting for our tuckshop business. We lost our only source of income, and life became very difficult. A group claiming to be working with local councillors told us that we were no longer allowed to stay in the area and should leave immediately. That is when I realised the threats were serious. I borrowed money from my mother in Zimbabwe, who helped me travel back home with my children because our safety was at risk,” she said.
Another returnee, Mr Maxwell Mundeta, of Checheche Town Centre, said his construction site in Krugersdorp was shut down after repeated visits by alleged assignees from the Department of Home Affairs.
“They accused our employer of hiring cheap labour from Zimbabwe instead of employing South Africans. They repeatedly visited the construction site for three consecutive days, forcing our employer to suspend operations. We were told to regularise our documents before returning to work.
“I have since applied for my passport in Chipinge, but after what has happened, I no longer intend to return to South Africa. Some of my colleagues who remained behind told me that they are in hiding because they fear being attacked,” he said.
Another Chipinge returning citizen, Mr John Mwatipedza, said conditions had deteriorated sharply.
“We felt unwanted recently as South Africans now feel the heat of their economy. The opportunities are shrinking, and we were only surviving from hand to mouth. These South Africans are now feeling jealous even of menial jobs we get. They attack us saying we are stealing their jobs,” he said. Traditional leaders in Chipinge confirmed increasing arrivals, and said reintegration is underway.
Headwoman Zamuchiya, born Mrs Irikidzai Mtetwa, of Chipinge South, said many returnees fled without their belongings.
“We started receiving a significant number of returnees early last month, and many have reunited with their families. So far, we have not received any reports of families requiring urgent assistance, although many returnees say they were unable to collect their belongings before leaving South Africa because they fled under difficult circumstances,” she said.
Chief Ngungunyana applauded the Government for its swift intervention.
“During a community court session last Sunday, several parents approached me requesting that I engage the Government to assist their children with transport back home. We are grateful that the Government responded swiftly by providing buses for those willing to return. Many people from our area have been living and working in South Africa, and their families told me that many more are eager to come back,” he said.
