By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe, has commended the people of Beitbridge for their compassion and humanitarian response towards Zimbabwean returnees and other migrants arriving through the border town.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the Beitbridge Business Expo, Nguluvhe praised residents, businesses, churches and other stakeholders for assisting people affected by the ongoing repatriations from South Africa.
“The people of Beitbridge have demonstrated love and compassion for our brothers and sisters returning home. Your efforts in assisting our fellow Zimbabweans, as well as our African brothers from Malawi and other neighbouring countries, have not gone unnoticed. Government appreciates what you are doing,” he said.
Nguluvhe said the humanitarian support being provided at the border reflects the values of Ubuntu and the spirit of African solidarity during a difficult period for many families.
He encouraged the community to continue working with Government and humanitarian partners to ensure those returning home are received with dignity and supported as they rebuild their lives.
His remarks were echoed by President of the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show Society, Ms Sharon Dewa, who said this year’s Business Expo was taking place against the backdrop of Government efforts to evacuate and reintegrate Zimbabweans returning from South Africa.
“Our 2026 Business Expo comes at a time when the Government of Zimbabwe is seized with evacuating and reintegrating our fellow citizens from our neighbouring country, South Africa. As we welcome our brothers and sisters, I want to plead for tolerance and restraint. This is not the time to dwell on what happened before they left, but rather to join hands and welcome them home,” she said.
Dewa also expressed appreciation to businesses, community leaders and individuals who have partnered Government in responding to the humanitarian situation.
“I want to express my gratitude to the distinguished personalities and business people who have come on board to partner the Government of Zimbabwe in ensuring returnees are received with dignity and provided with food, hygiene assistance and transport to various destinations across the country,” she said.
Thousands of returnees and other migrants have been arriving through the Beitbridge Border Post in recent weeks.
Most do not have anything after being hurried out of South Africa and local businesses, churches, community members and humanitarian organisations providing meals, temporary shelter and other essential assistance to those in need.