By Panashe Karidzagundi
THE Government has assisted in the repatriation of 35,936 Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa following recent anti-migrant tensions, while 78,189 others have returned on their own, bringing the cumulative number of returnees to more than 110,000.
Speaking during a briefing at the Beitbridge Reception Centre on Thursday July 23, 2026, Department of Civil Protection Deputy Director Veronica Bare said the national response is being coordinated under the Civil Protection Act to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified return of Zimbabweans.
Bare said the Government began facilitating repatriations on 28 May 2026, with the Beitbridge Reception Centre serving as the main coordination hub.
She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is overseeing repatriation processes on the South African side.
To strengthen coordination, Government established an Inter-Ministerial Committee to provide policy guidance and strategic oversight, supported by several operational sub-committees focusing on health and WASH, transport and logistics, border management, infrastructure, information and data management, skills and labour, security, and reintegration support.
Bare said transport and logistics remain central to the operation, with 489 trips having been undertaken to move returnees to various destinations across the country.
Of these, ZUPCO conducted 317 trips, while Bridging Gaps Foundation, using Stallion Cruise buses, completed 158 trips. Prevail carried out 12 trips, while Keson undertook two.
She said Government is implementing a three-pronged reintegration strategy focusing on social, economic and cultural support.
The social pillar includes access to civil documentation, education and healthcare, while the economic component seeks to improve livelihoods and employment opportunities.
Traditional leaders are expected to play a key role in the cultural reintegration of returnees.
Bare said resource mobilisation efforts are continuing, with support coming from development partners, humanitarian organisations, the private sector, faith-based organisations and individuals.
Among those supporting the response are the Angel of Hope Foundation, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Higherlife Foundation, Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, UNICEF, other United Nations agencies, private companies including Providence and Inscor, churches and individual well-wishers.
She said Government remains committed to ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable return, reception and reintegration of Zimbabwean nationals returning from South Africa.