Zimbabwe activates emergency response for citizens returning from South Africa

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube stated that reception centers have been established to provide civil registration, healthcare, and other essential services. Officials from various government departments are deployed at locations like the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa’s Njube Assembly in Bulawayo to support the returnees. Many arriving citizens lack identity documents or personal belongings, prompting the Civil Registry Department to fast-track the processing of national identity cards and birth certificates.

Health workers, local government officials, and other state agencies are also offering medical assessments and psychosocial support. Despite potential pressure on local resources, Ncube affirmed the government's commitment to assisting all returning citizens. Civic organizations in Bulawayo have urged authorities to supplement the emergency response with long-term reintegration programs, including employment support, skills development, and social protection measures.