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59,000 Zimbabweans repatriated from South Africa
2 hrs ago |
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The Government of Zimbabwe says a total of 58,768 Zimbabwean nationals had returned from South Africa by 2 July 2026, as authorities continue to coordinate one of the country's largest repatriation and reintegration exercises.
According to the latest government update, 11,065 returnees have been repatriated through government-facilitated programmes, while 47,703 people have returned independently, bringing the cumulative total to 58,768.
Zimbabwe's embassy and consulates in South Africa are continuing to coordinate the movement of returning nationals from across the country, including Cape Town and Durban, to the temporary repatriation centre in Musina.
Officials are also providing food, toiletries, transport and temporary accommodation for Zimbabweans awaiting clearance by South African authorities before travelling home.
The government said about 600 Zimbabweans were being processed at the Epping Repatriation Centre and were awaiting transfer to Musina.
The repatriation programme has been supported by government-hired buses as well as vehicles donated by several organisations and individuals.
According to the update, the transport fleet has been strengthened by 11 buses donated by the Bridging Gaps Foundation, led by businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, and six buses donated by E. Mupfumi and P. Tungwarara.
Two ambulances have also been deployed to the Beitbridge Reception Centre, with one provided by the Higherlife Foundation and another by the Life Foundation.
Humanitarian organisations are also supporting the operation.
The government said the World Food Programme, UNICEF, No-One Sleeps Hungry and Life Foundation have contributed food supplies, blankets, child-friendly play areas and other essential services for returnees.
In Cape Town, the City of Cape Town provided 16 buses that transported returnees to Musina on 1 July.
The Adventist Relief and Development Agency (ADRA) also donated eight buses to support repatriation efforts from Cape Town.
The repatriation programme forms part of ongoing efforts by the Zimbabwean government, in collaboration with humanitarian organisations and development partners, to assist citizens returning from South Africa and facilitate their reintegration into communities across Zimbabwe.
According to the latest government update, 11,065 returnees have been repatriated through government-facilitated programmes, while 47,703 people have returned independently, bringing the cumulative total to 58,768.
Zimbabwe's embassy and consulates in South Africa are continuing to coordinate the movement of returning nationals from across the country, including Cape Town and Durban, to the temporary repatriation centre in Musina.
Officials are also providing food, toiletries, transport and temporary accommodation for Zimbabweans awaiting clearance by South African authorities before travelling home.
The government said about 600 Zimbabweans were being processed at the Epping Repatriation Centre and were awaiting transfer to Musina.
The repatriation programme has been supported by government-hired buses as well as vehicles donated by several organisations and individuals.
According to the update, the transport fleet has been strengthened by 11 buses donated by the Bridging Gaps Foundation, led by businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, and six buses donated by E. Mupfumi and P. Tungwarara.
Two ambulances have also been deployed to the Beitbridge Reception Centre, with one provided by the Higherlife Foundation and another by the Life Foundation.
Humanitarian organisations are also supporting the operation.
The government said the World Food Programme, UNICEF, No-One Sleeps Hungry and Life Foundation have contributed food supplies, blankets, child-friendly play areas and other essential services for returnees.
In Cape Town, the City of Cape Town provided 16 buses that transported returnees to Musina on 1 July.
The Adventist Relief and Development Agency (ADRA) also donated eight buses to support repatriation efforts from Cape Town.
The repatriation programme forms part of ongoing efforts by the Zimbabwean government, in collaboration with humanitarian organisations and development partners, to assist citizens returning from South Africa and facilitate their reintegration into communities across Zimbabwe.
Source - Byo24News
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