Approximately 8,000 migrants who have registered for repatriation before the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) expire in South Africa on June 30 are expected to return to Zimbabwe soon. The government has confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth process.
This group constitutes the initial batch of ZEP holders who registered for assistance during the mapping exercise conducted between February and early March of this year. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, David Musabayana, stated in an interview that the government is prepared to receive the ZEP permit holders and has put everything in order for their return.
He encouraged individuals seeking further assistance to approach the Zimbabwe Embassy in Pretoria, as well as the consulates in Johannesburg and Cape Town. An inter-ministerial committee composed of officials from various ministries is coordinating logistics to facilitate the movement of people from South Africa, addressing their comprehensive needs.
The committee has made significant progress in identifying areas where assistance can be provided to the returning individuals. The government will also arrange buses for those who require transportation. According to Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson Livit Mugejo, the first batch of 8,000 returnees was registered in different locations across South Africa.