Story by Aifheli Mudau
ZIMBABWE has intensified efforts to support citizens returning from South Africa, with 65 nationals arriving through the Beitbridge Border Post on Tuesday under a government-assisted repatriation programme.
The latest group marks the second batch of returnees to be received in recent days, following the arrival of the first group on Sunday, as authorities activate support systems to ensure a smooth and dignified return process.
Government agencies, working alongside development partners, are providing assistance to returnees at the Beitbridge Reception Centre before they proceed to their final destinations across the country.
Some of the returnees expressed gratitude for the intervention, saying it enabled them to return home safely despite financial challenges.
“I appreciate the effort by the government to bring us home safely because, for me, I needed more than R6 000 to come home with my children. I appreciate what the government has done for us,” said returnee Miss Memory Magaya.
Another returnee, Mr Wilson Pondayi, said he learnt about the programme through a social media platform that was mobilising Zimbabweans interested in returning home.
“I was based in Durban and met a group on social media that was encouraging Zimbabweans who wanted to be repatriated to register. That is where I got the opportunity to register, and that is why I am back. We thank our government for helping us,” he said.
Miss Agnes Mavhunga described the experience as reassuring.
“We feel relieved and safe after such intervention by our government. We are safely heading to our homes,” she said.
Authorities at the border say comprehensive support mechanisms have been put in place to cater for the immediate needs of returnees.
Chairperson of the Beitbridge Civil Protection Committee, Miss Sikhangezile Mafu said the government is coordinating closely with humanitarian organisations to facilitate the process.
“When returnees arrive at the reception centre, we make sure they receive all the necessary assistance before proceeding to their different destinations. We work together with stakeholders that include the International Organisation for Migration and the Red Cross,” she said.
The repatriation exercise comes as several African countries continue facilitating the return of their citizens from South Africa amid ongoing migration management measures in the neighbouring country.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated that his government is pursuing legal measures to address migration-related challenges.
Besides Zimbabwe, countries including Ghana, Nigeria and Mozambique are also facilitating the return of their nationals from South Africa.
The government says it will continue working with its partners to ensure all returning citizens receive the support required for a safe journey back to their communities.
