Story by Theophilus Chuma
GOVERNMENT has activated all systems to ensure the safe and expeditious repatriation of Zimbabwean citizens from South Africa, in response to threats of planned demonstrations targeting foreign nationals.
Ahead of a looming deadline issued by South African demonstrators against foreign nationals, government has announced bold measures to ensure the safe return of its citizens against a potentially volatile situation in South Africa.
A joint statement by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Honourable Zhemu Soda, and the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Edgar Moyo, revealed an interministerial team has already been dispatched to Beitbridge Border Post.
“As of 26 June 2026, approximately 3,624 of our nationals had been successfully repatriated and received aid in the country. To ensure the seamless receiving of returnees, an inter-ministerial team has been deployed and is currently stationed at Beit Bridge, working around the clock to facilitate smooth border clearance and provide on-the-ground support to every returning citizen,” Minister Soda said.
“President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed resources towards ensuring the safe and dignified return of every Zimbabwean who wishes to come back home. In compliance with this directive, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ensured mobilisation of logistics around the repatriation of our affected nationals,” he added.
Government has also implemented several concessions to ensure a soft landing for the returning citizens.
“Treasury has extended the concessions previously granted to Zimbabwe exemption permits, exempt holders to our current returnees under the immigrants’ rebate of duty on the same terms and conditions. This is subject to appropriate evaluation to limit the potential of abuse by non-qualifying individuals. For motor vehicles, returnees may import one motor vehicle under suspension of duty. While VAT remains payable, Zimbabwe will apply flexible valuation terms to ensure the VAT burden is minimal.
“No payment is required for vehicles above the age of 10 years. The exempted vehicle must have been purchased prior to the expiry of the ZEP, that is prior to December 31, 2022. For personal property and equipment of a commercial nature, a rebate of duty will apply to personal and household property, as well as property of a commercial nature that returnees may use in their business. This exempted property must also have been purchased prior to December 31, 2022.
“We have further ensured flexibility with respect to arrival times to accord all retaining residents ample time to clear their booth.
We must clarify that the facility does not extend to new items and is subject to evaluation to prevent abuse, ensuring that only deserving retaining citizens who have been displaced under these difficult circumstances are assisted,” Minister Soda said.
Government has also outlined measures to protect children.
“Furthermore, President Mnangagwa has issued a clear and compassionate directive regarding the children of returnees. All schools across Zimbabwe have been instructed to make every effort to absorb children of returnees who need access to education facilities within their attachment areas,” Dr Soda noted.
Government is working with several partners to ensure the expeditious processing of returning citizens.
Government says it remains committed to ensuring the dignity of its citizens.
