Zimbabweans Struggle to Rebuild Lives After Fleeing South Africa Amid Protests, Social Media Reacts
- More than 116,000 Zimbabweans returned home after fleeing anti-illegal immigration violence in South Africa
- The Zimbabwean government set up reintegration centres and screened returnees for skills, but many are still struggling
- South Africans weighed in on the fact that Zimbabwean nationals were struggling after returning to their homes
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has spent a decade reporting on South Africa's political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
ZIMBABWE — Many Zimbabweans who fled anti-illegal immigrant violence in South Africa are struggling to rebuild their lives at home, confronting the same economic hardships that originally drove them to leave.
By 28 July 2026, a total of 116,670 Zimbabweans had returned from South Africa, according to Information Minister Zhemu Soda. Of those, 36,940 received government assistance, while 79,730 came back on their own. A further 38,057 had registered for employment since returning.
The Zimbabwean nationals left South Africa amid calls for illegal immigrants to leave the country by March and March. A deadline of 30 June was given to them to leave, but many remained behind. Transport delays have also been a factor in many remaining in the country.
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Zimbabweans return to few opportunities
Speaking about the situation, Reverend Useni Sibanda, executive director of the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, said the situation on the ground was dire.
He noted that many of those returning had spent years working abroad and came home without property, savings, or a clear path forward.
"They are coming back to a country where there are no jobs and where the social support systems may not be enough to accommodate them," Sibanda said.
Authorities have been screening and profiling returnees to identify their skills and needs, while reintegration centres have also been established. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Schools was reportedly considering recruiting qualified teachers from among those who had returned, while companies were being encouraged to hire skilled returnees.
Despite these initiatives, skills acquired in South Africa provide a more immediate means of earning income, though this remains the exception rather than the rule for the majority.
How did South Africans react?
The news drew mixed responses on social media.
@Levigos wrote:
"It's none of SA's business and responsibility. Let the Zimbabwean government take care of its people."
@IAmMuhamma76283 said:
"They must stay try to rebuild their own country. Starting with kicking out the Cancer called ZANU_PF."
Hloniphile Nyawo warned:
"They are about to come back."
Bongi Chiya said:
"They must work hard, mos."
Duduzile Thanjekwayo added:
"They must use their education and hard-working skills."
Returning Zimbabweans will not receive special treatment
Briefly News reported that Zimbabwe's President said that returnees from South Africa would receive no special employment or integration programmes.
Mnangagwa confirmed the government would provide transport and basic welfare assistance to help citizens reach their preferred destinations.
Zimbabwe deployed an interim ministerial team at the Beitbridge border post, facilitating the return of over 3,000 citizens since June 2026.
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Source: Briefly News
