More than 115 000 Zimbabweans have returned from South Africa under the Government’s repatriation and reintegration programme, with authorities providing support ranging from skills registration to healthcare and transport assistance.
Presenting an update to Cabinet on Tuesday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said 36 940 Zimbabweans had been repatriated through government-facilitated arrangements, while 79 730 had returned independently.
A further 870 Zimbabweans returned through Botswana entry points, bringing the total number of people assisted through the programme to more than 115 000.
The Government said 38 057 people had registered under the national Skills Registration Process, creating a database that local companies could use to recruit workers with relevant skills.
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Cabinet, however, raised concerns over unpaid employment benefits, pensions and other outstanding dues owed to some Zimbabweans who worked in South Africa. The matter will be pursued through bilateral engagements between the two countries.
At the Beitbridge Reception Centre, health services have been provided to returning Zimbabweans, with the on-site clinic treating 2 147 people. These included 851 men, 1 296 women and 575 children under the age of 15.
The most common conditions recorded were upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhoeal diseases and headaches.
To assist with onward travel, the Government has organised 512 bus trips from the reception centre to various destinations across the country. Authorities are also mobilising additional trucks to transport household goods and business equipment belonging to those returning.
Treasury has released an additional US$2 million for the programme, bringing total government funding to US$3.4 million.
Development partners have contributed about US$564 000 through United Nations agencies, while the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has provided US$26 000 towards hygiene promotion and transport support.
The Government said it was working with the Harare Metropolitan Province and other partners to establish a reception centre in Harare to assist people whose final destination is the capital.
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