By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE — Government has repatriated 21,291 Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa through assisted arrangements since the exercise began on May 28, 2026, information minister Soda Zhemu has said.
This brings the total number of returnees to more than 78,000 since the exercise began while a further 56,832 have returned independently.
Addressing the media during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Zhemu said Cabinet had adopted an update on the repatriation and reintegration programme presented by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works.
“To date, approximately 21 291 Zimbabwean nationals have been repatriated through Government-assisted arrangements since the commencement of the exercise on 28th May 2026, while an estimated 56 832 returned independently through self-repatriation mechanisms during the same period.
“The nation is advised that a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society Approach has been adopted for the repatriation and re-integration exercise as well as in-country coordination arrangements in order to facilitate safe, orderly and dignified movement of Zimbabweans from the diaspora,” said Zhemu.
He said Government had established an Inter-Ministerial Committee at the Beitbridge Reception Centre to oversee the receiving, registration and transportation of returnees.
Zhemu said measures implemented include the establishment of a 24-hour command centre at Beitbridge Border Post, deployment of 50 ZUPCO buses to transport returnees to their respective provinces, provision of reception, registration, profiling, screening, social protection, psychosocial support and reintegration services, temporary accommodation, a temporary clinic and ambulances, mobile ablution facilities and continued resource mobilisation.
He said Government’s efforts are being complemented by the private sector, United Nations agencies, development partners and well-wishers.
He added that Malawian nationals who had been stranded at Dulibadzimu in Beitbridge had since been successfully repatriated through the intervention of the relevant diplomatic mission.
