By Jeremiah Gora
As of 26 June 2026, approximately 3,624 Zimbabwean nationals had been successfully repatriated and received back into the country following the ongoing displacement of foreigners in South Africa, the Government has announced.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the repatriation programme is being coordinated through an inter-ministerial team stationed at Beitbridge Border Post to facilitate the smooth return of Zimbabweans affected by the disturbances in South Africa.
The repatriation comes as South Africa moves toward the 30 June deadline requiring affected foreign nationals to leave the country, prompting many Zimbabweans to voluntarily return home with Government assistance.
In a press statement, Dr Soda said President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa had directed that adequate resources be deployed to ensure every Zimbabwean wishing to return does so safely and with dignity.
“His Excellency, the President Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa has directed resources towards ensuring the safe and dignified return of every Zimbabwean who wishes to come back home,” said Dr Soda.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had mobilised logistics for the repatriation exercise while additional personnel had been deployed to strengthen consular services and manage the increased number of returnees.
Addressing concerns over delays at the border, Dr Soda said the hold-ups were caused by mandatory profiling procedures conducted by South African authorities before citizens are cleared to leave.
“Current delays in the processing of returnees are a result of profiling requirements by the South African authorities. This is a mandatory security procedure undertaken by the host country,” he said.
“We understand the frustration and anxiety this causes, but we assure you that the Government of Zimbabwe is making every effort to navigate these bottlenecks. We are doing everything within our power to expedite the process and bring our people home as swiftly as possible,” he added.
The Government has also announced a special relief package for returning citizens.
Under the immigrants’ rebate of duty, returnees will be allowed to import one motor vehicle duty-free, with only VAT payable under flexible valuation terms.
The concession also covers household goods and commercial equipment purchased before 31 December 2022, subject to verification to prevent abuse.
Dr Soda said the assistance is intended to ease the resettlement of displaced Zimbabweans returning from South Africa.
On education, he said President Mnangagwa had instructed all schools across the country to enrol children of returnees within their catchment areas.
“No child shall be turned away. Every returning child deserves the opportunity to continue their learning and build a future in their homeland,” he said.
Dr Soda reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting all returning citizens.
“Zimbabwe will always be happy to receive its nationals back home. This is their country. This is their home. No matter where life has taken them, no matter the circumstances that bring them back, they will always find open arms and a warm welcome on Zimbabwean soil,” he said.
