Zimbabwe Activates Emergency Repatriation Plan as South Africa Protests Loom
The Zimbabwean government has stepped up efforts to facilitate the safe return of its citizens from South Africa, activating a nationwide response ahead of planned demonstrations targeting foreign nationals across the neighbouring country.
Authorities say thousands of Zimbabweans have already crossed back into the country, with more expected in the coming days as concerns grow over the security situation in South Africa.
In a joint statement, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Zhemu Soda and Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo said an inter-ministerial team has been deployed to Beitbridge Border Post to coordinate the reception and processing of returnees.
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Thousands already back home
Government said that by June 26, 2026, about 3,624 Zimbabweans had successfully returned home and received assistance upon arrival.
Officials stationed at Beitbridge are working around the clock to speed up border clearance while ensuring returning citizens receive the necessary support.
Minister Soda said President Emmerson Mnangagwa had instructed government departments to mobilise resources to guarantee the safe, orderly and dignified return of every Zimbabwean wishing to come back.
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had coordinated logistics to facilitate the repatriation exercise.
Duty concessions announced
To ease the burden on returnees, Treasury has extended customs concessions previously available to holders of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP).
Eligible returnees will be allowed to import one motor vehicle under suspension of customs duty, although Value Added Tax (VAT) will still be payable under flexible valuation arrangements designed to minimise costs.
The concession applies to vehicles purchased before December 31, 2022, with no payment required for vehicles older than 10 years.
Government has also granted rebates on personal household goods and commercial equipment acquired before the same date, provided beneficiaries meet the qualifying conditions.
Authorities stressed that the measures are intended to assist genuine returnees and that all imports will undergo assessment to prevent abuse of the scheme.
Schools instructed to enrol children
Government has also introduced measures aimed at protecting families returning from South Africa.
Minister Soda said President Mnangagwa had directed schools nationwide to accommodate school-going children of returning families within their local catchment areas to ensure their education is not disrupted.
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