Zimbabweans struggle to rebuild after fleeing xenophobia in South Africa
Thousands of Zimbabweans have returned home from South Africa following a surge in anti-immigrant sentiment and violence. Many returnees are now facing severe economic hardship and a lack of support systems in Zimbabwe.
Why it matters
This highlights the humanitarian and economic consequences of regional migration tensions and xenophobia in Southern Africa.
Returnees face economic hardship and limited support as they try to rebuild in Zimbabwe.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Zimbabweans returning from South Africa face the challenge of rebuilding their livelihoods after fleeing anti-immigrant hostility and violence [Mike Hutchings/Reuters] By Farai Matiashe Published On 4 Oct 2026 4 Oct 2026 Mutare, Zimbabwe – Samantha Chimbuya had built a life in South Africa after leaving Zimbabwe in 2019 in search of better opportunities.
She found work, could afford food and believed her two children had access to better education. She also had access to healthcare.
As June 30 approached, a deadline set by anti-immigrant activists for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, the 30-year-old packed her belongings and returned to Zimbabwe.
“It was not safe any more. They were raiding our homes, warning us to leave. It was scary,” Chimbuya told Al Jazeera.
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