It is estimated that over 3 million Zimbabweans reside in South Africa either legally or illegally. Recently, 3 vigilante groups have been calling for the forced removal of foreign nationals from their country. Due to increasing violence, xenophobic intimidation and displacement, more than 20,000 returnees have crossed the border into Zimbabwe. The 30th of June 2026 was the tipping point as the vigilante groups gave it as a deadline for all foreigners to leave South Africa.
The vigilante groups are violent; they have looted small businesses belonging to foreigners, dragged people out of their homes, and attacked school children at schools they believed to be enrolling foreign children, and the Government of South Africa is not speaking out strongly against this xenophobia.
As a result, Zimbabwe is experiencing an increased influx of its nationals from South Africa. The situation is exacerbated by the thousands of Malawians who are fleeing into Zimbabwe and not proceeding to their country of origin.
To date, more than 20 000 returnees have crossed the border, and there is no plan to accommodate, feed, or transport them to their villages or towns of origin upon arrival. Resultantly, these returnees are facing hunger and living in indecent and unsafe conditions at the reception centres.
Most returnees arrive at the Beitbridge border post with little or no resources and exposed to multiple vulnerabilities. The key challenges faced by returnees include a lack of safe and dignified accommodation at Beitbridge Border, inability to access food, basic hygiene, medical treatment, and lack of transport for onward travel from Beitbridge Border Post to their communities of origin. Cases of mental health, gender-based violence and protection have been reported. The returnees require support at reception centers to reduce the risk of destitution and to safeguard their protection concerns upon arrival.
The Ecumenical Church Leaders Forum of Zimbabwe (ECLFZ) is prepared to assist returning Zimbabwean nationals in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province with their reception, protection, and reintegration.
