Government yesterday said 3 624 Zimbabweans displaced by the ongoing disturbances in South Africa had been successfully repatriated, with an inter-ministerial team deployed at Beitbridge Border Post to facilitate the smooth reception of returnees.
In a statement yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Zhemu Soda said Government was working around the clock to ensure the safe and dignified return of every Zimbabwean wishing to come home.
“As of the 26th of June 2026, approximately 3 624 of our nationals had been successfully repatriated and received back in the country,” said Dr Soda, adding that officials stationed at Beitbridge were providing border clearance and on-the-ground support to returnees.
He said President Mnangagwa had directed the mobilisation of resources to support the repatriation exercise, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had mobilised logistics and strengthened consular services to facilitate the processing of returning citizens.
Dr Soda acknowledged delays experienced by some returnees, attributing them to mandatory profiling procedures conducted by South African authorities.
“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 said.
Government also announced relief measures to ease the resettlement of returnees. Treasury has extended concessions previously granted to Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders, allowing eligible returnees to import one motor vehicle under suspension of duty, while personal, household and qualifying commercial property purchased before December 31, 2022, will also qualify for duty rebates.
On education, Dr Soda said President Mnangagwa had directed all schools to accommodate children returning from South Africa.
“All schools across Zimbabwe have been instructed to make every effort to absorb children of returnees who need access to education facilities within their catchment areas. No child shall be turned away,” he said.
