By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE — The Prevail Group of Companies has announced an employment drive targeting skilled Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, as the government steps up efforts to reintegrate citizens coming home amid escalating anti-immigrant tensions across parts of its southern neighbour.
In a Monday recruitment notice, the company invited Zimbabweans who have recently returned from South Africa to apply for positions on an upcoming construction project.
The vacancies include plumbers, builders, electricians, concrete batchers, drivers, carpenters, painters and general hands.
According to the notice, only applicants who have recently returned from South Africa will be considered.
The recruitment initiative follows an announcement by Presidential Special Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara, who said the private sector should play an active role in helping returning Zimbabweans rebuild their lives.
“I am pleased to announce that the Prevail Group of Companies will be hiring skilled individuals returning home from South Africa to join our team.
“If you possess the relevant skills and are interested, we kindly invite you to apply,” he said.
The initiative echoes President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent appeal for communities to embrace returning citizens.
“Comrades, Zimbabwe is our home and the sacred lands of our forefathers.
“I appeal to all families and communities to exercise the true African values of compassion, love and caring for one another, more so as we welcome those returning from the diaspora,” he said.
The number of Zimbabweans who have returned home from South Africa has climbed to 58,768, as the government steps up its repatriation programme in response to escalating anti-migrant violence and a tightening immigration crackdown in the neighbouring country.
Last week, presidential spokesperson George Charamba said 11,065 Zimbabweans had been repatriated through government-facilitated operations, while 47,703 had returned through self-repatriation efforts, bringing the cumulative total to 58,768 as of 2 July 2026.
The government has established an inter-ministerial reception team at Beitbridge Border Post and introduced measures including customs duty concessions for eligible returnees and guaranteed school enrolment for children returning with their families.
The employment initiative comes against the backdrop of one of the most significant waves of anti-immigrant protests in South Africa in recent years.
Thousands of migrants from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and other African countries sought to leave South Africa ahead of nationwide demonstrations after activist groups issued a 30 June deadline demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.
Hundreds of Zimbabweans reportedly slept outside the Zimbabwean Consulate in Cape Town while waiting for transport home.
Protesters accuse undocumented migrants of taking jobs, increasing crime and placing pressure on public services.
However, economists and migration researchers say there is little evidence to support many of those claims, noting that immigrants account for only about 4% of South Africa’s population and that studies have shown migrant entrepreneurship can create employment opportunities for local communities.
Although many of the 30 June marches were peaceful, several turned violent, resulting in looting, attacks on foreign-owned businesses, displacement of migrant families and multiple deaths.
South African authorities have since deployed more than 3,400 soldiers to assist police, while more than 900 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest and related offences.
The Prevail Group recruitment drive is among the first private sector initiatives specifically targeting Zimbabweans affected by the recent developments in South Africa.
Analysts say employment opportunities will be critical to ensuring successful reintegration, reducing unemployment and enabling returning skilled workers to contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic development as the country continues to receive citizens opting to return home.
