By Sukoluhle Ndlovu
More than 20,000 Zimbabweans remain stranded in South Africa as they await transport home following renewed anti-illegal immigrant operations and outbreaks of xenophobic violence, the International Medical Corps (IMC) has said.
In its humanitarian situation report released on July 15, the IMC said thousands of Zimbabweans are still gathered at Zimbabwean diplomatic missions and designated assembly points across South Africa while waiting for assistance to return home.
“More than 20,000 Zimbabweans are reportedly awaiting transportation support at Zimbabwean diplomatic missions and assembly points across South Africa. Returns are likely to continue in the coming weeks,” the report said.
The humanitarian organisation said women and children account for nearly 70 percent of those awaiting repatriation, underlining the vulnerability of those caught up in the crisis.
Beyond returning home, many migrants are also facing serious reintegration challenges after losing identity documents during displacement.
“Many returnees have lost identity documents, limiting access to public services, education and other reintegration opportunities. The Registrar General’s Office is facilitating temporary documentation and replacement processes,” the report noted.
The IMC said it is working closely with the Government of Zimbabwe, UNICEF, United Nations agencies and other humanitarian partners to coordinate assistance for returning migrants.
“International Medical Corps is closely monitoring the evolving situation and coordinating with government authorities, as well as with UNICEF, UN agencies and other humanitarian partners to support a coordinated response to the influx of returning Zimbabwean migrants,” the organisation said.
It warned that humanitarian support will remain critical in the coming weeks as more Zimbabweans are expected to return. Priority interventions include emergency shelter, food assistance, healthcare, protection services and psychosocial support, particularly for women and children, who make up the majority of those affected.
The latest update comes after the Zimbabwean government revealed that more than 100,000 Zimbabweans returned home between May and July following the latest wave of xenophobic violence and intensified anti-illegal immigrant operations in South Africa.
The mass return has placed increasing pressure on humanitarian agencies and government institutions tasked with providing emergency assistance and helping returnees reintegrate into their communities.
