Repatriation operations continue

GOVERNMENT is mobilising additional resources to bring home about 3 000 Zimbabweans affected by recent anti-migrant protests in South Africa, as efforts to assist thousands of returnees reintegrate into communities continue.

The latest group has already been processed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade through the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa and is now awaiting transport to return home.

The development comes as the number of Zimbabweans crossing back into the country daily begins to decline, although Government says it remains on high alert to ensure those returning receive assistance and are treated with dignity.

Civil Protection Unit (CPU) director for national disaster preparedness, coordination, risk management and humanitarian emergency responses, Mr Farai Hokonya, told the Joint Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Peace and Security, Defence, Home Affairs and Security Services during a visit to Beitbridge Border Post on Monday that the repatriation operation had been scaled down nationally but remained active on the ground.

“While the numbers have started to decline, we remain on high alert at local level. We have the health and WASH, protection services, border management, information and data, infrastructure, security, reintegration and resource mobilisation committees all working in unison and coordination to ensure a dignified return of Zimbabweans from South Africa,” he said.

Mr Hokonya said two Zimbabweans had died during the repatriation process — one at the South African border and another in Chivhu. Both were buried with Government assistance.

According to the Department of Immigration, about 129 000 Zimbabweans have returned on their own, while nearly 45 000 have been evacuated by the Government with logistical support between May 28 and September 7.

However, for some returnees, crossing the border is only the beginning of their ordeal.

Many fled South Africa in haste, leaving behind household possessions and equipment they had accumulated over years.

The Government has responded by dispatching commercial trucks to South Africa to retrieve property belonging to displaced Zimbabweans, while waiving most levies and duties to allow household goods to be brought home duty-free.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) confirmed that it had introduced a flexible customs regime to facilitate the movement of goods belonging to returnees.

Zimra private imports manager in Beitbridge, Mr Tawanda Muchena, said an express lane had been established at the border to speed up the clearance process.

“We have created an express lane whereby they arrive through the bus terminal and the compliance checks are done at the reception and support centre,” he said.

Statutory fees for buses and trucks transporting returnees’ goods have also been waived.

Zimra works with the Zimbabwean consulate, which provides letters and manifests identifying the goods and their owners.

The facility also covers business equipment that Zimbabweans had been using in South Africa, including welding machines, heavy industrial sewing machines and building tools.

“We have been receiving and clearing equipment that some Zimbabweans were using in their businesses in South Africa. Zimra is open to assisting returnees in line with the Government directive,” said Mr Muchena.

Commercial vehicles brought into the country under the facility must have a gross weight not exceeding five tonnes.

The returning residents’ facility for motor vehicles requires a person to have been outside Zimbabwe for at least two years and to have owned the vehicle for at least six months before returning, as reflected in the vehicle registration book.

Zimborders Consortium has also waived border user fees for vehicles transporting qualifying cargo.

Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe said the decision to assist returnees retrieve their belongings followed reports that many had abandoned valuables when they fled South Africa.

“The move to have trucks assisted by the Government came after it emerged that most people leaving SA in haste were leaving valuables, and hence the move to help them bring back their properties duty-free,” he said.

Following a recent directive by President Mnangagwa for the Civil Registry Department to prioritise Zimbabweans returning from South Africa who require identity documents, Deputy Registrar-General Mr Ben Mpala said the department attended to 4 167 people, issued 19 national identity documents and 361 external birth certificates.

“Others sought general information. We are working in coordination with Foreign Affairs and Immigration authorities,” he said.

The President also directed schools across the country to accommodate children returning with their families, ensuring that their education is not disrupted.

Chairperson of the parliamentary portfolio committee, Cde Exevia Maoneke, said the committee’s visit was part of a fact-finding mission aimed at assessing the response and identifying gaps.

The committee will report to Parliament and recommend additional support needed to assist returnees as they rebuild their lives back home.