Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
The Government with the support of its partners among them the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has since the beginning of June evacuated 696 Zimbabweans from South Africa.
The assisted voluntary repatriations programme follows an upsurge in xenophobia motivated attacks in immigrants by locals across most of South Africa’s provinces.
Deputy Chief Secretary responsible for Presidential communications Mr George Charamba confirmed the latest development through his X account on Tuesday.
He also commended the partners who have been working with the Government for the continued support.
Among those repatriated as of June 15 are 405 adults and 291 accompanied children whose parents were displaced mostly in the Western Cape, Kwazulu Natal and Gauteng provinces.
The parents are volunteering to come home as the ant—migrants’ protests in some instances violently increase.
“Zimbabwe Government has facilitated the return of 600 Zimbabweans so far. Many more on the way. Many thanks to partners, including IOM and UNICEF,” said Mr Charamba on his X account.
Most of those repatriated are arriving through Beitbridge border post in Government hired buses.
The country’s embassy in South Africa has since deployed teams across South Africa to assist Zimbabwean nationals who are distressed due to the ongoing violence.
The past month has been a roller-coaster for immigrants, both documented and undocumented, living and working in South Africa where xenophobia motivated attacks are reportedly intensifying.
Most contribute actively to South Africa’s economy, yet many now say integration and co-existence remain elusive.
The Embassy has also issued a safety advisory urging Zimbabweans in SA to avoid areas of unrest, carry identification, and report threats to police or the nearest mission.
Repatriation efforts are continuing, with work underway to assist more citizens who are in distress across South Africa.
IOM Zimbabwe spokesperson Mrs Fadzai Nyamande-Pangeti said they are working closely with national authorities and partners to monitor the situation and adapt assistance in line with emerging needs.
“In line with evolving operational needs, the organisation had 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.”
She said their main focus was on ensuring that all returnees receive appropriate support upon arrival and during onward movement to their communities.
Mrs Nyamande-Pangeti said recent return movements, including Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR), are occurring in a dynamic and evolving context, with multiple drivers influencing migration decisions.
While some returns are linked to safety concerns, she added, movements remain mixed and multi-causal, requiring a flexible and coordinated response.
Upon arrival at Beitbridge, returnees are supported through established reception processes led 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,” she said.
Several African countries including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Nigeria are conducting voluntary emergency repatriations of their citizens from South Africa following a severe spike in anti-immigrant unrest and xenophobic threats.
Some are repatriated through State sponsored transport by air and road.
However, the exact number of migrants and immigrants who were left displaced is yet unknown although indications are that it runs into hundreds of people.
On the other hand, South Africa recently activated its National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure `NATJOINTS` to address violent protests that have left several migrants dead, injured and displaced.
