Hundreds Return Home from South Africa as Zimbabwe Intensifies State-Funded Repatriation
Following the much anticipated anti-immigrant groups 30 June deadline, Zimbabwe expanded its state-funded repatriation programme, deploying buses, embassy staff and border support to assist hundreds of citizens voluntarily returning home from South Africa.
Harry Taruva 
Harare — Hundreds of Zimbabwean have returned home from South Africa as Government expanded its state-funded repatriation programme, deploying buses across multiple cities across the boarder while mobilising embassy staff, consular officials and other authorities.
In its update issued by the Department of Presidential Communications in the Office of the President and Cabinet, the Zimbabwean Government said all transport and evacuation logistics were being financed by the State.
"All these far-flung relocation operations are being wholly funded by the Government of Zimbabwe which has availed all buses on which Zimbabwean returnees are travelling," the statement said.
The Government said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade had redeployed all staff from Zimbabwe's Embassy in Pretoria and its consulates to facilitate the repatriation exercise.
"Further, all staff manning the Zimbabwe Embassy and its Consulates have been redeployed to facilitate the evacuation of all citizens willing to come back home," the statement said.
Officials also acknowledged the support being provided by embassy families and international partners.
Zimbabwe also appreciated all United Nations agencies for assisting with the evacuation process.
The operation saw several buses deployed to Cape Town, Johannesburg and other cities.
In Johannesburg, 11 buses were on standby at Zimbabwe's Old Chancery, where about 600 Zimbabweans were being processed for departure.
A further five buses were stationed at the Power House facility, where another 300 citizens were undergoing administrative procedures.
Elsewhere, the Government said 12 buses carrying returnees from Durban and surrounding areas departed through Johannesburg for the Beitbridge-Musina border crossing, 30 June, while two buses were travelling directly from Port Elizabeth to Beitbridge.
At the border, Zimbabwean authorities introduced measures to speed up the reception process.
According to the Government, immigration officials and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority established streamlined processing procedures, while import duties on essential household goods belonging to returning citizens were waived to ease their resettlement.
The Government also stressed that cooperation with South African authorities remained strong throughout the operation.
"Cooperation between the Government of Zimbabwe and the Government of South Africa remains excellent and empathetic," the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to returning citizens, the Office of the President and Cabinet said assistance would continue beyond the border reception process.
"Government is ready to come to the assistance of all Zimbabweans wishing to come back home. Above all, Government assures returning citizens that they will be assisted to re-integrate into their respective communities in Zimbabwe," the statement said.
The repatriation programme comes as Zimbabwe continues to facilitate the voluntary return of its nationals through coordinated transport, diplomatic support and reintegration assistance as vigilante groups in South Africa continue to threaten, harrass, assault and kill migrants.
