Nearly 60,000 Zimbabwean nationals have returned home from South Africa following growing anti-illegal immigration demonstrations and increased voluntary departures, according to figures released by the Zimbabwean government.
The latest statistics indicate that 58,768 Zimbabweans have returned home, including 11,065 who were repatriated through joint efforts between the South African and Zimbabwean governments, while 47,703 travelled back voluntarily.
The large-scale movement follows protests held across South Africa on 30 June, during which campaign groups renewed calls for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. Although the demonstrations primarily targeted illegal immigration, they have also prompted many migrants to return to their countries of origin.
Government officials in both South Africa and Zimbabwe have begun implementing measures to manage the movement while supporting those crossing the border.
Zimbabwe prepares to reintegrate returning citizens
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appealed to Zimbabweans to welcome returning citizens with compassion and solidarity, describing their return as an opportunity rather than a burden.
He said the government has introduced programmes designed to ensure that returnees are safely and smoothly reintegrated into communities across the country.
Officials believe many of those returning possess valuable work experience and technical skills acquired while working in South Africa.
George Charamba, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, said the country’s growing economy could benefit from the expertise of returning citizens, particularly in sectors such as horticulture and agriculture.
According to Charamba, Zimbabwe hopes these skills will strengthen production, improve export performance and contribute to long-term economic growth.
The government has also encouraged local communities to support families returning from the diaspora, emphasising social cohesion during the reintegration process.
South Africa expands border processing capacity
On the South African side of the border, authorities have rapidly expanded facilities to manage the growing number of departures.
The Departments of Home Affairs and Public Works recently completed a temporary processing centre at the Beitbridge Border Post in approximately four days. The site includes administrative offices, accommodation and sanitation facilities for migrants awaiting processing.
Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson said the project demonstrates the department’s ability to deliver critical infrastructure within a short timeframe while ensuring migrants are treated with dignity.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber added that officials are processing tens of thousands of departures while coordinating hundreds of buses transporting migrants across the border.
He said the government remains committed to ensuring all repatriations are conducted lawfully, safely and in an orderly manner despite increasing operational pressure.
South Africa has experienced recurring public debate over illegal immigration in recent years, with concerns frequently focusing on border security, employment opportunities and pressure on public services. The latest wave of demonstrations has once again brought migration policy into the national spotlight, while neighbouring countries prepare to accommodate citizens choosing to return home.
Although many Zimbabweans have voluntarily left South Africa in recent weeks, authorities from both countries say cooperation will continue to ensure that border operations remain orderly and that returning citizens receive appropriate support upon arrival.
Source: The Citizen / Zimbabwe Government Statements