Govt Repatriates 3,624 Zimbabweans from South Africa with Duty Rebates, School Access and Social Support

HARARE – Government has repatriated 3,624 Zimbabweans displaced from South Africa as of 26 June 2026, rolling out duty concessions, guaranteed school places and social protection to ensure a dignified return home.

This afternoon, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Dr. Zhemu Soda, and the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Hon. Edgar Moyo, addressed the media on the operation.

“As of 26 June 2026, approximately 3,624 nationals had been successfully repatriated,” Dr. Soda said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed resources to facilitate the safe and dignified return of all Zimbabweans who wish to come home. In compliance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has mobilised logistics and strengthened consular services, while an interministerial team is stationed at Beitbridge to handle border clearance and provide support. Additional manpower has also been deployed to manage the scale of the exercise.

Dr. Soda noted some delays are arising from mandatory profiling by South African authorities, who are checking personal data against their national database. “Authorities have acknowledged frustrations but pledge to expedite processes and bring citizens home swiftly,” he said.

To ease reintegration, Treasury has extended concessions under the immigrants’ rebate of duty to current returnees, similar to those previously granted to Zimbabwe Exemption Permit, ZEP, holders. The relief is subject to evaluation to prevent abuse. Returnees may also import one motor vehicle under suspension of duty, with flexible VAT terms and exemptions for vehicles purchased before 31 December 2022.

On education, Dr. Soda said President Mnangagwa issued a “clear and compassionate directive”: all schools across Zimbabwe must absorb children of returnees in their catchment areas. “No child shall be turned away. Every returning child deserves the opportunity to continue their learning and build a future in their homeland,” he said.

Hon. Moyo said the returnees are expected to boost economic activity and productivity. Government is providing social protection, psychosocial support for children and families, and reunification services to reconnect displaced citizens with relatives. For those without homes, care centres, food aid, and shelter are available to support dignified reintegration.

Closing the briefing, Dr. Soda reaffirmed the national stance: “Zimbabwe will always be happy to receive its nationals back home. This is their country. This is their home. No matter where life has taken them, no matter the circumstances that bring them back, they will always find open arms and a warm welcome on Zimbabwean soil. May God bless our returnees, and God bless Zimbabwe.”

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