Africa: Zimbabwe Says Over 78,000 Nationals Have Returned From South Africa Amid Xenophobia Fears
The Zimbabwean government reports that over 78,000 of its nationals have returned from South Africa since May amid concerns about xenophobic attacks. The repatriation effort, launched on May 28, includes both government‑assisted returns and self‑funded journeys, with support services provided at the Beitbridge border. Authorities have coordinated a multi‑agency response, deploying transport and reintegration assistance while other African nations also begin similar evacuations.
- ▪78,112 Zimbabwean nationals have returned from South Africa since May, comprising 21,291 government‑assisted and 56,832 self‑repatriated individuals.
- ▪The repatriation exercise was initiated on May 28 after anti‑immigrant groups in South Africa issued an unofficial June 30 ultimatum demanding foreign nationals leave the country.
- ▪An inter‑ministerial committee and a 24‑hour command centre at the Beitbridge border post were established to manage reception, registration, and transport of returnees.
- ▪The government deployed 50 ZUPCO buses and provided health screening, psychosocial support, and reintegration services, with assistance from private sector and UN agencies.
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The government says 78,112 Zimbabwean nationals have returned from South Africa since May amid fears of xenophobic attacks following threats by anti-migrant pressure groups. The returnees comprise 21,291 people repatriated through government-assisted arrangements and 56,832 who funded their own journeys home, Information Minister Zhemu Soda said on Tuesday. The repatriation exercise was launched on May 28 after anti-immigrant groups in South Africa issued an unofficial June 30 ultimatum demanding that foreign nationals leave the country or face nationwide protests. The threats sparked anxiety among migrant communities, prompting several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to begin repatriating their citizens.
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