Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
ZIMBABWEANS who have returned home from South Africa through Government-assisted evacuation have commended the State for stepping in at 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.
The Government has 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 safely.
Dozens of buses are on standby in Beitbridge to transport those arriving from South Africa to various destinations across the country.
Several other partners are working with the State.
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society is providing tracing and free phone call services so returnees can contact families.
The International Organisation for Migration is assisting with transport. 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, the Zimbabwe Red Cross, IOM, UNICEF, MSF and community organisations like Safe Haven has helped keep services running smoothly as more people arrive.
The 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.
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”.
In an interview yesterday in Beitbridge, Mr Ernest Runhare said he had stayed in Durban for two months and is now heading to Chiredzi.
“I am grateful to Government. South Africa became difficult for us,” Mr Runhare said. “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.”
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 everything behind, but the officers and volunteers spoke to us with respect. That alone gives us strength.”
Miss Shamisai Dhliwayo, who went to South Africa in 2025 and is now headed for Checheche, praised the agencies working at the border to make the evacuation smooth.
