Story by Theophilus Chuma
GOVERNMENT has assisted about 100 000 Zimbabweans affected by hostilities in South Africa to return home safely, with reintegration efforts being strengthened as the number of returnees continues to rise.
Speaking during the post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, said more than 70 percent of those returning are women and children.
“More than 70 percent of the returnees are women and children. Government has noted that the number of Zimbabwean nationals requiring repatriation and reintegration assistance has continued to increase, and measures have been put in place to support them,” he said.
Dr Soda said Government’s repatriation and reintegration programme has received significant support from the private sector and other stakeholders.
He also commended First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for complementing Government efforts through social protection initiatives.
“The time and efforts of Her Excellency the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, are greatly appreciated, particularly her generous donation to the Beitbridge Repatriation Centre following her visit on 7 July 2026. The donation included 30 tonnes of rice, 20 tonnes of mealie meal, more than 5 000 blankets, 1 500 diapers and 1 500 packs of sanitary wear. Government expresses its appreciation to all those who have contributed towards ensuring the seamless reintegration of returnees,” he said.
Cabinet also received an update on preparations for the official launch of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in Zimbabwe on 16 July.
Dr Soda said Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Chairperson of the African Peer Review Forum of Heads of State and Government, will be represented by Uganda’s Vice President, Major (Rtd) Jessica Rose Epel Alupo.
“Preparations are progressing well for the inaugural official launch of the APRM in Zimbabwe by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 16 July 2026. The occasion will also be graced by Her Excellency Major (Rtd) Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, representing His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” he said.
Cabinet also approved Zimbabwe’s hosting of the 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government Summit, scheduled for 22 October 2026.
The summit, to be held under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA,” will be preceded by the COMESA Business Forum on 20 October and the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on 21 October.
According to Dr Soda, the summit aims to advance industrialisation, investment and regional economic integration across the COMESA region.
Cabinet also reviewed progress in expanding internet connectivity and digital penetration, as well as developments relating to the National Artificial Intelligence Charter.
Zimbabwe is also preparing to host several major regional and international events, including the Global Women Sustainability Conference next year.
