How many Zimbabweans have returned from South Africa?

Thousands of Zimbabweans have returned home from South Africa since the government began its repatriation and reintegration programme on 28 May 2026.

The number of people leaving the neighbouring country continues to rise after recent anti-immigrant tensions.

The latest figures were presented to Cabinet by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe and subsequently reported by several Zimbabwean publications, including ZBC News.

According to the figures, 36 940 Zimbabweans were repatriated through government-facilitated arrangements, while a further 79 730 returned independently.

An additional 870 Zimbabweans reportedly returned through Botswana entry points, further adding to the number of nationals making their way back home.

More than 115 000 Zimbabweans have returned

The latest government figures represent a significant increase from the numbers recorded earlier in the repatriation exercise.

In mid-July, the government said 99 418 Zimbabweans had returned from South Africa between 28 May and 10 July.

At the time, Information Minister Zhemu Soda said more than 70% of the returnees were women and children, highlighting the family dimension of the movement across the border.

The figure was reported by international outlets including Anadolu Agency and Africanews.

By late July, however, the total had risen to more than 115,000.

The latest breakdown shows that the majority of those returning were not transported home under the government’s formal repatriation arrangements.

How many Zimbabweans did the government repatriate?

Of the more than 115 000 returnees, 36 940 were brought home through government arrangements, according to the latest Cabinet update.

The remaining 79 730 Zimbabweans returned independently, meaning they made their own arrangements to leave South Africa and return to Zimbabwe.

This distinction is important because the overall figure is sometimes described simply as the number of Zimbabweans “repatriated”.

The figures show that while the government has facilitated the return of tens of thousands of people, a much larger number have made their own way home.

Why are Zimbabweans returning from South Africa?

The large-scale movement has taken place against a backdrop of growing anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa.

Anti-immigration groups have staged protests demanding action against undocumented migrants, while some migrants have reported attacks, threats and intimidation.

The developments have prompted Zimbabwe and other neighbouring countries to increase assistance for nationals returning from South Africa.

The Associated Press reported last week that at least 68 000 people had been repatriated from South Africa between June and July, with most coming from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, according to South African government figures.

AP also reported that the exact breakdown between voluntary returns and deportations remained unclear.

The different figures reported by the two governments reflect the fact that they are measuring different aspects of the movement.

Zimbabwe’s latest figure covers its nationals returning from South Africa, including those who returned independently, while South African figures include people repatriated or deported through South African processes.