Thousands of Zimbabweans have returned home from South Africa since the government began its repatriation and reintegration programme on 28 May 2026. In mid-July, the government said 99 418 Zimbabweans had returned from South Africa between 28 May and 10 July. The remaining 79 730 Zimbabweans returned independently, meaning they made their own arrangements to leave South Africa and return to Zimbabwe. Why are Zimbabweans returning from South Africa? 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.