Zimbabwe spends nearly $5 Million reintegrating returnees from South Africa
Zimbabwe’s Treasury says it has spent nearly $5 million on repatriating and reintegrating citizens returning from South Africa amid a growing migration crisis.
This follows protests in South Africa against undocumented immigration, which have prompted a significant number of Zimbabwean nationals to return home.
According to the latest government figures, more than 115 000 Zimbabweans have returned since the onset of the crisis.
Of these, over 36,000 were repatriated through government-facilitated programmes, while close to 80 000 returned independently.
On Thursday, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says the funds have been directed towards ensuring a safe and structured return process.
“The financial resources have been allocated towards transportation, temporary accommodation, food assistance, health services, and other essential support aimed at ensuring the safe return and reintegration of affected citizens.”
The government has also rolled out programmes to help returnees rebuild their lives and contribute to the economy.
“Government is implementing a returnee reintegration and economic empowerment programme, aimed at facilitating the orderly reintegration of returnees into their communities, while leveraging their skills, experience and entrepreneurial capabilities to drive inclusive economic growth,” he added.
Authorities say the initiative is part of broader efforts to manage the impact of migration flows and support citizens affected by changing conditions in the region.
The migration trend comes amid heightened tensions in South Africa over undocumented foreign nationals, with calls for stricter enforcement and policy reforms continuing to shape the regional migration landscape.
According to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, a total of 68 327 undocumented foreign nationals were repatriated through coordinated operations with their countries of origin.
“Eighty-one percent were Malawian nationals, 16 percent Zimbabwean and three percent Mozambican.”
Authorities have also recorded a rise in immigration-related offences, with 205 cases registered by 23 July, up from 103 the previous week. A total of 354 arrests were made, with the Free State recording the highest number.
Between April and June, courts finalised more than 28 000 immigration-related cases, most of which resulted in deportations.
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