Story by ZBC Reporter
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Zimbabwean nationals returning from South Africa, as repatriation efforts through the Beitbridge Border Post continue.
Authorities say the process is progressing smoothly, with government departments and stakeholders working together to ensure returning citizens are received, processed and assisted to reintegrate into their communities.
Officials at the Beitbridge Reception Centre acknowledged growing pressure on available facilities as the number of returnees increases.
Superintendent at the Beitbridge Reception Centre, Miss Nobuhle Ncube said authorities have had to introduce temporary measures to accommodate arrivals.
“I will speak more about the transit centre and the space that we have. Our capacity is inadequate for the numbers that we receive. I will give a more current example where we had four buses which came in yesterday and they all slept, which means that we then took an initiative to use a warehouse tent.”
Immigration officials said all returnees undergo verification before being referred for further assistance.
Regional Immigration Officer for the Southern Region, Mr Joshua Chibundu, said:
“What we all do is to profile everyone to ensure that all are Zimbabweans before allowing them in, and then hand them over to Social Welfare for further processing.”
He added that government is currently assisting about 1 700 returnees, while also processing citizens who are returning independently.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe visited the reception centre on Monday and stressed the importance of ensuring that returnees receive the necessary support upon arrival.
He highlighted measures aimed at safeguarding access to education for children returning with their families.
“We have encouraged them that we have BEAM, so they need to go and register, and Social Welfare should get involved so that we do not deny these children their right to education.”
Government says efforts remain focused on ensuring the safe reception, processing and reintegration of returning citizens.
Other African countries, including Ghana, Mozambique and Nigeria, are also repatriating their nationals following recent developments in South Africa.
