Cross-border bus operators have sharply increased fares and luggage fees. They are capitalising on a sudden spike in demand. Many Zimbabweans are fleeing South Africa due to xenophobia-related tensions.
Thousands of travellers are now heading home urgently by road. This follows a deadline issued by protest leaders for 30 June. Consequently, transport routes are experiencing extreme pressure and overcrowding.
So far, 35,403 Zimbabweans have returned home independently from South Africa. Additionally, 4,735 others returned through government-assisted repatriation programmes. Interviews with passengers and operators confirm steep price increases.
A bus seat from Cape Town or KwaZulu-Natal to Harare has doubled. It previously cost R1,800 and now reaches around R3,000. Operators report full bookings on major routes until 5 July.
Passengers describe rising anxiety and limited transport availability. Many are rushing to secure seats before further price hikes occur. Demand continues to outstrip supply across key departure cities.
Rising Costs Force Hard Choices for Travellers
A woman travelling with her two children shared her experience. She explained that buses are fully booked on key routes. She spoke about rising fares and financial pressure on families.
“The demand for transport home is high. People are scared. So, the bus operators have doubled fares, and this has seen many opting to use State assistance to leave South Africa,” she added.
“When the locals gave me one hour to leave, I had yet to receive my salary for June and, worse, I couldn’t afford the bus fares.
“From Cape Town to Harare, people are now paying R3,000 up from R1,800, and if you have luggage, it’s worse.”
She further noted that luggage charges have risen sharply. Some operators demand up to R4,000 for extra bags and goods. This includes furniture such as beds, fridges, and stoves.
As a result, many travellers abandon household belongings. They prioritise urgent departure over recovering their possessions. Financial strain is forcing difficult and painful decisions.
A man named Ernest also described his situation. He chose state-assisted transport to avoid high private fares. He travelled with only essential belongings to reduce costs.
“I had to leave before month-end, and to make matters worse, landlords are no longer taking rentals from migrants for fear of being victimised,” he said.
“That’s the same case with employers, some migrants are told not to come to work, because the Government of South Africa has deployed labour inspectors who, if they find irregularities, slap the employers with huge fines.”
Meanwhile, the government has deployed buses across major cities. These buses aim to repatriate citizens affected by unrest. Presidential spokesperson George Charamba confirmed full government funding for the operation.
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