HARARE – More than 115,000 Zimbabweans have returned home from South Africa under the Government's repatriation programme, with Treasury releasing additional funding to support the ongoing exercise.

Speaking during the Twenty-Fifth Post-Cabinet Press Briefing on Tuesday, Cabinet said a total of 36,940 Zimbabweans had been repatriated through Government arrangements, while 79,730 returned on their own, bringing the cumulative number of returnees to more than 115,000. A further 870 self-repatriations were recorded through Botswana entry points.

Government has registered 38,057 returnees through its Skills Registration Process to facilitate their integration into the labour market, with several local companies already expressing interest in employing skilled returnees.

Cabinet also noted concerns over unpaid pensions, employment benefits and other dues owed to returning Zimbabweans, saying the matter will be pursued through bilateral engagements with South Africa.

To support the programme, Treasury has released an additional US$2 million, bringing total Government funding to US$3.4 million. Development partners, including United Nations agencies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, have also contributed towards humanitarian assistance.

Government is establishing a reception centre in Harare to complement services currently being offered at the Beitbridge Reception Centre.