By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana)– The Zimbabwe government has repatriated and assisted 99 418 nationals returning from South Africa since late May this year, while putting in place measures  to cope with citizens requiring repatriation and reintegration, which continues to grow.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Soda Zhemu said the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, in his capacity as chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Environment, Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Prevention and Management presented update report on the repatriation and reintegration program.
Zhemu said the returnees were assisted between 28 May and 10 July this year through coordinated efforts involving government Ministries and development partners.
He said more than 70 percent of the returnees are women and children, with the government noting a continued increase in the number of Zimbabweans requiring repatriation and reintegration support.
“Government noted that the number of Zimbabwean nationals requiring repatriation and reintegration assistance has continued to increase, and measures have been put in place to meet the growing demand,” he said.
Zhemu said Cabinet also acknowledged the contribution of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, whose recent visit to the Beitbridge Repatriation Centre strengthened ongoing humanitarian efforts.
During her tour of the centre on 7 July 2026, the First Lady donated 30 tons of rice, 20 tons of mealie-meal, more than 5 000 tracksuits, 1 500 diapers and 1 500 sanitary wear packs, providing critical relief to returning citizens, particularly women and children.
Zhemu said Cabinet also acknowledged the support of citizens and development partners in ensuring the smooth reception and reintegration of returnees.
He said Zimbabwe is also facilitating the transit of foreign nationals entering through Beitbridge, with Malawian and Zambian citizens receiving assistance through their respective embassies while arrangements are in place to support other affected nationals.
To ease congestion at ports of entry, the Border Management Committee, comprising the Department of Immigration, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, the Vehicle Inspection Department and Zimbabwe Borders, has intensified measures to speed up immigration clearance for buses and trucks transporting returnees.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, working with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Higherlife Foundation, has expanded health services at reception centres.
Zhemu said more than 191 000 patients have received essential healthcare services, 870 children have been screened for malnutrition, while 15 cases of diarrhoea were detected and successfully treated.
He said Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to supporting returning Zimbabweans through continued repatriation and reintegration programs while security services remain vigilant against illegal border crossings at undesignated entry points, particularly in Beitbridge and Plumtree.
New Ziana
