Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE has repatriated more than 115,000 nationals from South Africa, with Government intensifying reintegration measures through additional funding, expanded transport logistics and a skills registration programme that is already attracting interest from local employers.
Presenting the Twenty-Fifth Post-Cabinet Press Briefing on Monday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Cabinet had received and noted an update from Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe on the ongoing repatriation and reintegration exercise.
Dr Soda said 36,940 returnees had been repatriated through Government arrangements, while 79,730 had returned on their own, bringing the total number of returnees from South Africa to over 115,000. In addition, 870 self-repatriations were recorded through Botswana entry points.
He said the skills registration programme was becoming a key component of the reintegration strategy.
“A total of 38,057 returnees have registered through the Skills Registration Process, with some local companies expressing interest in utilising the skills data for their employment needs,” Dr Soda said.
Cabinet also noted concerns over the loss of employment benefits, pensions and unpaid dues for some returnees.
“The matter will be pursued through bilateral arrangements,” he said.
Health services at the Beitbridge Reception Centre have continued to support returning citizens. Dr Soda said the clinic had attended to 2,147 returnees, comprising 851 males, 1,296 females and 575 children under the age of 15. The most common conditions treated were upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhoeal diseases and headaches.
On transport logistics, he said 512 bus trips had been undertaken from the Beitbridge Reception Centre to destinations across the country, while additional trucks were being mobilised to transport household goods and business equipment.
Treasury has released an additional US$2 million for the repatriation exercise, bringing total Government disbursements to US$3.4 million. International partners have also contributed, with United Nations agencies mobilising about US$564,000 and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies providing US$264,000 for hygiene promotion and transport support.
Dr Soda said Government, working with Harare Metropolitan Province and other partners, was establishing a reception centre in Harare to assist returnees destined for the capital.
The latest update indicates that Zimbabwe’s repatriation programme is moving beyond emergency response towards a broader reintegration framework centred on employment, health support and logistical assistance for returning citizens.
