Zimbabwe struggles to reintegrate migrants returning from South Africa
More than 116,000 Zimbabweans had returned from South Africa by July 28 after anti-immigrant groups threatened undocumented migrants with raids and demanded that they leave. Returnees describe difficulty finding work and support in Zimbabwe, while officials say they are developing reintegration centres, training and employment assistance.
Zimbabweans returning from South Africa are facing difficulties rebuilding their livelihoods after leaving amid threats and raids by anti-immigrant activists, according to Al Jazeera. Samantha Chimbuya, who moved to South Africa in 2019 for better opportunities, returned to Zimbabwe as a June 30 deadline announced by activists approached. She said the situation had become unsafe, with people raiding homes and warning migrants to leave.
The deadline was not imposed by the South African government, which said June 30 would be a normal day and warned against intimidation and violence. Nevertheless, thousands of migrants left, with some governments organising transport for their citizens. Zimbabwe’s Information Minister Zhemu Soda said 116,670 Zimbabweans had returned from South Africa by July 28.
Of those, 36,940 received government assistance, while 79,730 returned independently. A further 38,057 had registered for employment, he said. Chimbuya has struggled to find work since returning and relies on family and friends.
She said she had hoped for a grant to start a small business but had not received one. Her husband remains in South Africa, where she says he is also struggling. Some returnees have used skills acquired abroad to establish businesses.
Sidney Bunya, who developed carpentry expertise in South Africa, brought his tools home and started a business using his savings. The company now supports his family and employs five people. Community groups say the needs are greater than existing support.
Reverend Useni Sibanda of the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance said many returnees had spent years abroad and were coming back without jobs or sufficient assistance. The government says it is screening and profiling returnees, establishing reintegration centres and considering vocational training. Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe said authorities were also encouraging companies to employ skilled returnees and considering support for new businesses.
Churches have provided shelter, food and transport and partnered with businesses on training in welding, carpentry and computer science. Advocates are calling for longer-term help, including grants, agricultural inputs and machinery, so returnees can establish secure livelihoods.
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