Zimbabwe steps up repatriation of Zimbabweans from South Africa

The Government has deployed registration teams across South Africa to assist Zimbabweans wishing to return home following xenophobic attacks and threats against migrants in some parts of the country.

Authorities say 139 Zimbabweans have already been repatriated through Beitbridge Border Post after fleeing the violence, while additional buses have been made available to facilitate the safe return of those seeking to come back before the end of the month.

A third bus carrying 62 passengers departed KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday afternoon and was expected to arrive at Beitbridge Border Post in the early hours of Thursday.

Speaking in an interview, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Director of Public Diplomacy, Communication and Advocacy, Philisiwe Chidawanyika, said Zimbabwe's embassy and consular offices in Pretoria and Cape Town were actively registering citizens interested in returning home.

"The Government has deployed teams across South Africa to register its citizens who are willing to come back home," she said.

"These people will be ferried by buses either today or tomorrow to ensure their safe travel back home. A third bus left South Africa yesterday at 4pm and is expected to arrive at Beitbridge Border Post at 2am. Our embassy is working on processing the necessary profiling so that they can allocate the required buses."

Mrs Chidawanyika said embassy officials in Pretoria and Cape Town were currently profiling a growing number of Zimbabweans seeking voluntary repatriation.

"Our embassies will remain open to assist our citizens," she said.

"Two buses have already crossed over. More are expected, and the number of buses will be determined as more Zimbabweans approach the embassy and consulates for assistance."

She urged Zimbabweans wishing to return home to contact the nearest Zimbabwean diplomatic mission to facilitate their travel arrangements.

Mrs Chidawanyika said the Government remained committed to safeguarding the welfare of Zimbabweans living abroad through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and its diplomatic missions, in line with Section 35 of the Constitution.

"Our embassies in the region are in contact with Zimbabweans who have registered their presence and are ready to assist with repatriation should this be deemed necessary," she said.

"Zimbabweans living abroad continue to be urged to register their presence with the nearest embassy or consulate of Zimbabwe to facilitate communication and timely sharing of important information."

Embassy officials in South Africa continue to document cases and assist Zimbabweans seeking voluntary repatriation amid concerns over their safety following recent unrest.

The repatriation programme forms part of Government efforts to protect citizens living outside the country while providing support to those affected by violence and insecurity in their host communities.