Story by Providence Maraneli
GOVERNMENT has intensified efforts to repatriate Zimbabweans wishing to return home from South Africa, with additional buses and essential support services deployed at Beitbridge Border Post.
The reception centre continues to receive buses carrying returning citizens, with officials providing immigration processing, food, transport and medical assistance to facilitate their safe return.
Among those arriving was Ms Gertrude who said she was forced to leave South Africa despite holding valid travel documents.
“I had a passport and a valid permit, yet my life was in danger. They would come into our homes at night and harass us. I am short of words on the help we got from Government, the food, the transport and everything,” she said.
Another returning citizen said the repatriation programme had provided a safe route home after a difficult experience.
“I am relieved to finally be here. I was in South Africa for a long time, where I learnt skills, and I now want to use them to start over,” the returnee said.
Another expressed gratitude for the assistance received during the journey home.
“It was a bad situation. We were afraid, but we thank the Government for the assistance. We are so grateful,” the citizen said.
The repatriation programme follows the displacement of Zimbabwean nationals and other African migrants in South Africa.
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting all Zimbabweans wishing to return home and pledged continued support for their reintegration into communities.
