Staff Writer
The Zimbabwean government, in partnership with private sector players and non-governmental organizations, has launched a repatriation operation for undocumented Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa—following similar initiatives by other African nations.
Ghana was the first to act, dispatching aircraft to evacuate its citizens from various parts of South Africa, with Nigeria quickly following suit.
Coordinating through the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), the government has set up a command center in Beitbridge to manage the reception and processing of returnees.
Upon arrival, local buses transport the evacuees onward to their final destinations across Zimbabwe.
At the Beitbridge facility, the CPU is also mobilizing food and medical supplies for the migrants while they await necessary documentation.
One of the key organizations supporting the effort is NOSH (No One Sleeps Hungry), an NGO that has contributed buses and food supplies.
Afzal Motiwala, the organization’s spokesperson, said NOSH is committed to expanding its collaboration with the government.
“Our team has been on the ground, working alongside government officials to assess the situation,” Motiwala said.
“We initially booked 20 buses from Johannesburg to Beitbridge, but it has become clear that Zimbabweans in Cape Town are in more urgent need of transport. We are now in the process of reallocating those buses accordingly.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reassured the nation that his administration stands ready to support the reintegration of all returning citizens, vowing that no one will be left stranded.
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