Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
MINISTRY of Skills Audit and Development, Ambassador Rudo Chitiga on Monday toured the Repatriates Reception Centre at Beitbridge Border Post as the Government continues to reiterate its commitment to receiving returning Zimbabweans with dignity.
In a statement, her ministry said the visit forms part of broader efforts to manage the repatriation of Zimbabweans from South Africa in an orderly manner and to ensure that those coming home are immediately linked to support services, skills assessment, and economic opportunities.
“Ambassador Chitiga was received by officials from the Department of Social Welfare, Immigration, Health, and other key partners who are manning the centre,” read the statement. “She toured the reception, screening, and documentation sections where returnees are processed upon arrival.”
Speaking during the tour, Ambassador Chitiga said every Zimbabwean returning home carries valuable experience that can contribute to national development.
“Every Zimbabwean returning home brings skills, experience and potential that can help build the nation,” she said.
“Our role as Government is to ensure they are welcomed with respect and given pathways to reintegrate meaningfully.”
The Permanent Secretary also noted that the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development was working to ensure that all returnees undergo skills auditing.
She said this will enable the profiling of qualifications, trades and work experience gained in South Africa and elsewhere, for possible upskilling and placement under the Zimbabwe Global Skills Partnership Programme (ZGSPP).
Officials at the centre briefed Ambassador Chitiga on the daily intake, challenges faced, and support being provided, including food, health screening, and onward transport assistance.
She reassured Zimbabweans that systems are being strengthened to ensure no returnee is left behind.
The Beitbridge Repatriates Reception Centre remains a critical facility as the Government scales up efforts to support citizens returning from South Africa.
Authorities say the approach is anchored on treating returnees not as a burden, but as people with skills and potential to contribute to Vision 2030.
