Planning for return of our citizens from South Africa
In June, exemption permits which allowed our nationals a lawful stay in South Africa will expire.
This means all holders of these Zimbabwe Exemption Permits, better known as ZEPs, will have to be home by then. We are preparing for their return, and to warmly welcome them once they step on home soil. We will do so fully confident that their return and re-integration into their families and communities, and with relatives and friends will be smooth. Government will assist them as they prepare to resume a productive life as full citizens back in the land of their birth.
All told, we expect 178 412 nationals, including their families and dependants. Through our Embassy in South Africa, Government has provided a portal for them to register so their whereabouts and needs are known in anticipation of the repatriation exercise. Some have been away from home for quite a while and, until now, had set base in South Africa.
President Ramaphosa assured President Mnangagwa of maximum support of his Government on the repatriation of Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa
The ZEP allowed Zimbabweans to lawfully remain in the sister Republic of South Africa in order to pursue their education, to work or set up businesses. With a strong educational foundation and largely highly skilled in different trades and disciplines, our nationals have been active across a wide spectrum of the South African economy. They will not be hard-pressed for options.
Even in the diaspora, their contributions back home have been salutary and impactful. Many have built new homes in towns and cities, and modernised and invested in family homes in rural areas. In South Africa itself, their contribution to the host economy has been outstanding. I get many reports from the South African leadership, both in Government and in business, which describe their contribution to different sectors of the South African economy in flattering superlatives. These complimentary reports continue to fill me with great pride and joy. Our citizens have been instrumental in plugging skills gaps in our SADC region, and have acquitted themselves exceptionally well, thus, holding our flag high.
They have been a true sample of Zimbabwe’s legendary industry, ingenuity, entrepreneurship and honesty.
Like I have already said, they never broke links with home and country. Although away from us physically most of the times, they have always been with and amongst us, most strikingly through their families. They have always fully participated in the affairs of their families, playing a big part in fending for them, in enhancing livelihoods, in financing education of siblings and relatives, and in contributing to overall development of families and communities. Their options are galore.
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