Over 70 Zimbabweans Repatriated from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Tensions
More than 70 Zimbabwean nationals have been brought back home through the Beitbridge Border Post as authorities ramp up efforts to assist citizens seeking to leave parts of South Africa following reports of insecurity and unrest.
The returnees arrived in Zimbabwe this week, with many describing their homecoming as a welcome escape from difficult conditions they had encountered while living in various South African communities.
Also Read: Tough times for Zimbabweans: South Africa Tightens Beitbridge Border Controls
Returnees Recount Difficult Experiences
Several of those who returned shared accounts of fear, displacement and uncertainty, saying tensions in the areas where they lived had made daily life increasingly challenging.
Emilia Tochi of Mashava said residents in her community were subjected to hostility regardless of their immigration status.
“Where we are coming from, the situation is tense, and the community we were living in doesn’t consider whether you are documented or not. You are just told to go and, if you show them your documents proving that you are legal in that country, they tear the documents. But now we are safely home. We really applaud the Government for its effort.”
Teddius Masendeke from Mutoko said the situation in Mossel Bay had become alarming.
“The situation is not good where we are coming from in Mossel Bay. People are being beaten, and people are looting everything until we found refuge at the police station.”
Theresa Sibanda from Harare said many people were forced to abandon their belongings and seek shelter in places of safety.
“It was a matter of picking what you have and seeking refuge in safety halls. Now we feel safe here because we have a home.”
Government Provides Immediate Assistance
Upon arrival at Beitbridge, the returnees received psychosocial support through a coordinated programme involving Government and development partners.
Authorities also facilitated transport arrangements to enable the citizens to travel onward to their respective homes across the country.
Some of the returnees praised the support they received during the repatriation process.
“I never knew the importance of government until I fell into this situation. That is where I realised that having a caring government is very important because we quickly got help to be safe at home,” said Earnest Chamisa.
However, the return journey has also brought emotional challenges for some.
“It is so painful that I left my family there and now I do not know what to do,” said Vengai Kangwari.
Wider Regional Response
Zimbabwe’s repatriation exercise comes at a time when several African nations are assisting their citizens who wish to leave South Africa. Countries including Ghana and Nigeria have reportedly initiated similar programmes to support affected nationals.
Authorities say measures remain in place to ensure returning Zimbabweans are received safely and assisted with reintegration as they rebuild their lives back home.
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