Govt Says 15,000 of 108,000 Returnees From South Africa Already Registered for Employment

Zimbabwean authorities report that more than 108,000 citizens have returned from South Africa under an ongoing repatriation program. Of this total, 33,855 were repatriated through government arrangements, while an estimated 74,511 returned independently. An additional 791 self-repatriations were recorded through Botswana entry points.

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As at 18 July 2026, a total of 33,855 returnees had been repatriated through Government arrangements, while an estimated 74,511 had self-repatriated, bringing the total number of returnees to over 108,000.

To facilitate reintegration, the government has registered over 15,000 returnees for employment, cataloging their skills in areas such as domestic work, bricklaying, and farming. This initiative is part of a broader three-pronged strategy encompassing social, economic, and cultural integration. The government has also organized 416 bus trips to transport returnees from the Beitbridge Repatriation Centre to various destinations within the country.

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Additionally, a cumulative 791 self-repatriations have been recorded through Botswana entry points, namely: Plumtree, Mphoengs, Maitengwe and Mlambapele.

Healthcare services are being provided to returnees at a newly established Reception Centre Clinic in Beitbridge. Since the repatriation exercise began, this clinic has attended to 1,474 individuals. The government aims to help returnees settle back into their communities through these comprehensive support measures.

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To this end, the skills registration process is ongoing, with a total of 15,065 returnees having been registered across 52 identified occupations.