The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Province, Hon. Albert Nguluvhe, today received a Joint Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Peace and Security, Defence, Home Affairs and Security Services in Beitbridge, where the delegation is conducting a verification exercise on the repatriation and reception of Zimbabweans who recently returned from South Africa following anti-migrant protests.
The Parliamentary delegation, led by Committee Chairpersons Hon. Exvia Maonake and Hon. Irene Zindi, toured the Beitbridge Border Post to assess Government reception and processing systems, humanitarian interventions and other support structures that were put in place to cater for returning citizens.
The visit follows a period of heightened tensions and anti-migrant protests in South Africa which resulted in a significant movement of Zimbabweans back home through the Beitbridge Border Post. At the height of the movement, more than 100,000 Zimbabweans reportedly returned through Beitbridge by road, while the border also facilitated the transit of Zambian and Malawian nationals travelling to their respective countries.
Welcoming the Parliamentary delegation, Hon. Nguluvhe outlined the coordinated Whole-of-Government response that was activated to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified reception of returning citizens.
Government departments and agencies, working together with humanitarian and development partners, established reception arrangements providing essential services including meals, clean water, medical screening, temporary shelter and assistance with onward transportation.
“We received our people under difficult circumstances, but as Government we moved swiftly to ensure that no one was stranded. Our teams at the border worked day and night to ensure that returning citizens were received with dignity and provided with the necessary assistance,” said Hon. Nguluvhe.
The Minister commended the security services, immigration officials, health personnel, local authorities, humanitarian organisations and other Government departments and agencies for working together during a period of increased pressure at one of the country's busiest ports of entry.
He said particular attention was given to vulnerable returnees, including women, children, the elderly and families requiring immediate humanitarian assistance.
Hon. Nguluvhe emphasised that the response demonstrated the importance of strong inter-agency coordination and preparedness at the Beitbridge Border Post, which remains a strategic gateway linking Zimbabwe to South Africa and the wider region.
The Minister further welcomed Parliament's verification exercise, noting that oversight visits provide an important opportunity to assess interventions on the ground, identify challenges and strengthen systems for responding to similar situations in the future.
“As a Province, we appreciate Parliament coming on the ground to obtain a first-hand appreciation of what transpired and the measures that were put in place. Beitbridge carries a strategic national responsibility, and we must continuously strengthen our capacity to manage both normal and extraordinary movements of people across our borders,” he said.
Hon. Nguluvhe reaffirmed the Government's commitment under the Second Republic, led by His Excellency the President, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of Zimbabwean citizens, including those returning home under difficult circumstances.
He also thanked all local and national stakeholders who mobilised resources and personnel to complement Government efforts during the repatriation exercise.
The Parliamentary Committee's visit provides an opportunity for legislators to verify the measures implemented during the repatriation exercise and engage relevant Government departments, security services, border agencies and other stakeholders on lessons learnt and areas requiring further strengthening.