By Zachary Gava
Harare, ( New Ziana) – The Government has intensified efforts to ensure the safe return and successful reintegration of thousands of Zimbabweans coming back from South Africa, with more than 108,000 citizens already having returned home.
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Soda Zhemu, said Cabinet had received an update on the repatriation and reintegration of Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa.
In its assistance programme for the returnees, government is focusing on humanitarian, healthcare, transport and long-term economic support.
The report to Cabinet was presented by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works in his capacity as Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Environment, Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management.
Minister Zhemu said Government, working together with its partners, remains committed to ensuring that every returning citizen is assisted through a process that is safe, orderly and dignified.
“The nation is being informed that the repatriation of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa is ongoing, with Government and its partners continuing to support a safe, orderly and dignified return for the nationals,” he said.
He said that, as of July 18, 2026, a total of 33,855 Zimbabweans had been repatriated through Government-facilitated arrangements, while an estimated 74,511 returned independently, bringing the total number of returnees to more than 108,000.
In addition, 791 self-repatriations have been recorded through Botswana border entry points, including Plumtree, Mphoengs, Maitengwe and Mlambapele.
To facilitate the movement of returnees from the Beitbridge Reception Centre to their respective destinations, Government has organised an extensive transport programme.
“To date, a total of 416 bus trips have been undertaken to facilitate transportation of returnees from the Beitbridge Repatriation Centre,” Zhemu said.
He added that healthcare services remain a critical component of the response, with the clinic at the Beitbridge Reception Centre having treated 1,474 returnees for various medical conditions since the operation began.
Beyond immediate humanitarian assistance, Government is now focusing on helping returnees rebuild their lives through a comprehensive reintegration programme.
“Government has adopted a three-pronged reintegration approach prioritising social, economic and cultural reintegration to support sustainable reintegration of returnees into their communities,” he said.
As part of that strategy, authorities are conducting a nationwide skills registration exercise aimed at linking returnees with livelihood opportunities and national development programmes.
He said 15,065 returnees have so far been registered across 52 identified occupations, with the majority possessing skills in domestic work, bricklaying and farming.
The update also showed that Harare Metropolitan Province has received the highest number of returnees, followed by Manicaland, Midlands and Bulawayo provinces, underscoring the need for coordinated support at both national and provincial levels.
Meanwhile, Government has maintained heightened security measures at all border entry points.
“Government Security Arms continue to strengthen screening and surveillance, including for all foreigners passing through the country’s entry points,” Zhemu said.
The repatriation exercise follows recent anti-immigration violence in South Africa targeting mainly African nationals residing in the country illegally.
In response, Zimbabwe established a coordinated national framework involving several ministries, humanitarian organisations and development partners to manage the influx, provide temporary shelter and transport, deliver medical assistance, and facilitate long-term reintegration.
Authorities say the continued skills mapping exercise will play a crucial role in integrating returnees into productive sectors of the economy while reducing vulnerabilities and supporting national socio-economic development.
New Ziana
