Over 150 000 Zimbabweans have returned home following attacks against illegal immigrants in South Africa.
Government said, as at August, 16, a total of 42 339 Government-assisted repatriations were recorded at Beitbridge Border Post, with 112 863 self-repatriations, bringing the total of recorded repatriations to 155 264.
In addition, 1 035 self-repatriations were recorded through Botswana border entry points, including Plumtree, Mphoengs, Maitengwe and Mlambapele, while 86 300 Malawian nationals have been assisted to repatriate to their country through Zimbabwe.
Government notes that the categories of returnees are as follows: 10 437 male adults, 13 558 female adults, 8 937 male minors, 9 399 female minors, 4 unaccompanied male minors and 4 unaccompanied female minors.
In addition, a total of 701 deportees were received at the Beitbridge Reception Centre from Lindela Prison in Gauteng Province in South Africa, while a total of 622 cumulative bus trips ferrying returnees have been undertaken to date.
The nation is informed that efforts to enhance reintegration are continuing, with profiling and documentation of returnees’ skills and qualifications progressing well.
A total of 60 737 returnees were recorded in the Skills Audit Database, including 15 percent domestic workers, 12 percent farm workers, 7 percent vendors, 6 percent fruit pickers, 6 percent bricklayers, 5 percent hairdressers and 4 percent caregivers, while 6 percent were recorded as unemployed and 1 percent as small business owners.
Government continues to strengthen disease surveillance and foster collaborative efforts with all supporting partners in order to ensure smooth repatriation and reintegration of all Zimbabwean nationals returning from the Republic of South Africa.
