Long-distance cross border bus operators in Bulawayo say they have recorded a sharp decline in the number of passengers travelling to South Africa, while witnessing a steady increase in Zimbabweans returning home amid anti-migrant protests in the neighbouring country.
The reported decline in outbound travel comes amid growing anxiety among Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa following renewed anti-migrant protests in some communities.
A visit by CITE to spots where long-distance bus rank in Bulawayo on Tuesday found unusually quiet scenes, with only a handful of prospective travellers making inquiries about trips to South Africa.
Several buses destined for Johannesburg had few passengers, while others remained largely empty as operators waited for customers.
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Bus operators attributed the decline to fears triggered by anti-migrant demonstrations and uncertainty surrounding the recent “June 30” campaign by anti-immigration groups in South Africa.
A representative from Brooklyn Bus Services, identified only as Mpondo, said business had slowed considerably since the protests gained momentum.
“Business is very low at the moment. Around this time, at about 11am, we would normally have more than 20 passengers, but today we are struggling to get even 10 customers,” he said.
Despite the reduced demand, Mpondo said fares from Bulawayo to South Africa had remained unchanged at R500.
“Yesterday we travelled with a good number of passengers. We are not sure whether the situation will improve today because the marches are happening on the South African side,”he said.
While outbound travel has declined, operators said buses travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe have been fully booked over the past two weeks as more Zimbabweans opt to return home.
A representative from Delta Coaches said the company had experienced a noticeable shift in travel patterns.
“For the past two weeks, business to South Africa has been very low. We have seen many Zimbabweans returning home, particularly those being repatriated, who are dropped off at the Beitbridge Border Post before being transported by buses and other organisations. On some days, we have seen up to seven buses heading there to collect returnees,” he said.
The returnees are apparently dropped off at the border for immigration processing and clearance prior to continuing their journeys home.
The increased demand for return journeys has pushed fares higher, with tickets from South Africa to Zimbabwe now costing between R1 000 and R1 200.
“So far, our buses are travelling safely and everything is normal on the road,” he added.
A Revival Motors representative, who called himself Dumi, echoed similar sentiments, saying the influx of Zimbabweans returning home had driven up transport costs.
“Business from South Africa to Zimbabwe has been very good over the past two weeks. Some passengers complained about the fare increases, but the prices were driven by demand,” he said.
According to Dumi, fares that previously averaged around R700 have increased to between R1 000 and R1 200.
“Many customers were not prepared for the higher fares, but because of the anticipated protests, they had little choice but to travel,” he said.
He added that passengers travelling with valid passports had generally not encountered difficulties.
“Those with passports have been travelling without problems over the past two days. But for those without travel documents, anything can happen,” he claimed.
Efforts by CITE to speak to Zimbabweans returning from South Africa were largely unsuccessful, with many appearing reluctant to discuss their experiences.
Most quietly boarded connecting buses after crossing the border, declining interview requests. While several appeared visibly exhausted and frustrated by the circumstances surrounding their return, many also expressed relief at finally being back home.
One returnee, who declined to give his name, simply said: “We were told to come back home, and that’s what I did. I have nothing else to say.”
Another, carrying several bags after arriving from Beitbridge, briefly remarked: “I am just happy to be home.”
The demonstrations, organised by anti-immigration groups calling for stricter enforcement against undocumented foreign nationals, have heightened uncertainty among migrant communities, prompting some Zimbabweans to return home while others have postponed planned trips to South Africa until the situation stabilises.
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