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Zimbabweans struggle to rebuild after fleeing xenophobia in South Africa

Zimbabwe · Security · Minor · impact 3 of 5
First reported 4 October 2026 · latest 4 October 2026 · 1 reports from 1 outlet

More than 116,000 Zimbabweans have returned from South Africa after anti-migrant intimidation, leaving many without work or support and straining reintegration services.

Counted

• 116,670 displaced (Al Jazeera, 4 Oct)

  Chimbuya paid for her own journey to Hurungwe, in northern Zimbabwe. By July 28, 116,670 Zimbabweans had returned from South Africa, according to Information Minister Zhemu Soda. Of those, 36,940 were assisted by the government, while 79,730 returned independently.

• 36,940 received aid (Al Jazeera, 4 Oct)

  By July 28, 116,670 Zimbabweans had returned from South Africa, according to Information Minister Zhemu Soda. Of those, 36,940 were assisted by the government, while 79,730 returned independently. A further 38,057 had registered for employment, Soda said.

Receipts

Every figure we read, newest first.

• 4 Oct · Al Jazeera

  The deadline was not imposed by the South African government, which said June 30 would be a normal day and warned against intimidation and violence. But thousands of migrants left amid fears of unrest. Some governments organised transport for citizens returning home.

• 4 Oct · Al Jazeera

  Chimbuya paid for her own journey to Hurungwe, in northern Zimbabwe. By July 28, 116,670 Zimbabweans had returned from South Africa, according to Information Minister Zhemu Soda. Of those, 36,940 were assisted by the government, while 79,730 returned independently.

• 4 Oct · Al Jazeera

  By July 28, 116,670 Zimbabweans had returned from South Africa, according to Information Minister Zhemu Soda. Of those, 36,940 were assisted by the government, while 79,730 returned independently. A further 38,057 had registered for employment, Soda said.

• 4 Oct · Al Jazeera

  By July 28, 116,670 Zimbabweans had returned from South Africa, according to Information Minister Zhemu Soda. Of those, 36,940 were assisted by the government, while 79,730 returned independently. A further 38,057 had registered for employment, Soda said.

Reports

1. Zimbabweans struggle to rebuild after fleeing xenophobia in South Africa Jazeera, 4 Oct

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