More than 115 000 Zimbabweans have returned from South Africa

More than 115 000 Zimbabweans have returned home from South Africa since the government’s repatriation and reintegration programme began on 28 May 2026.

The latest figures show that the movement has grown considerably in recent weeks, with the majority of returnees making their own arrangements to leave South Africa.

The figures were presented to Zimbabwe’s Cabinet by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe and were subsequently reported by several Zimbabwean publications, including ZBC News.

Thousands are making their own way home

According to the latest figures, 36 940 Zimbabweans returned through government-facilitated arrangements.

A significantly larger number – 79 730 people – returned independently.

A further 870 Zimbabweans reportedly entered Zimbabwe through Botswana, adding to the total number of nationals who have returned.

Taken together, the figures point to more than 115 000 Zimbabweans returning from South Africa since the repatriation programme began.

The distinction between government-assisted returns and independent returns is important, as the overall figure is sometimes referred to simply as the number of people who have been repatriated.

Return numbers have risen sharply

The latest total marks a substantial increase from figures released earlier in the programme.

In mid-July, Zimbabwean authorities said that 99 418 Zimbabweans had returned from South Africa between 28 May and 10 July.

At the time, Information Minister Zhemu Soda said more than 70% of those returnees were women and children.

That figure was reported by international news organisations including Anadolu Agency and Africanews.

By late July, the number had climbed beyond 115 000.

The latest breakdown also shows that formal government repatriation accounts for only part of the overall movement, with more people choosing or needing to make their own arrangements to return.

Why are people returning?

The return of Zimbabweans comes amid heightened anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa.

Anti-immigration groups have held protests calling for action against undocumented migrants, while some migrants have reported experiencing threats, intimidation and attacks.

The situation has prompted Zimbabwe and other neighbouring countries to provide increased assistance to nationals returning from South Africa.

The Associated Press also reported that at least 68 000 people were repatriated from South Africa between June and July, with most coming from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, based on South African government figures.

However, AP noted that the exact breakdown between voluntary returns and deportations was unclear.

Why the figures differ

The different numbers reported by Zimbabwean and South African authorities do not necessarily contradict each other.

Zimbabwe’s latest figure focuses on its nationals who have returned from South Africa, including those who travelled home independently.

South African figures, meanwhile, cover people repatriated or deported through South African processes.

As reported by The South African, the latest Zimbabwean figures therefore provide a broader picture of how many Zimbabweans have made their way home, rather than only counting those transported through formal government repatriation arrangements.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Source: The South African

Featured Image: zimbabwe our promised land / Facebook