By Dumani Moyo l The South African THE Zimbabwean government has insisted that South Africa has never issued any official date for Zimbabweans to leave the country. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said reports of deadlines have come from unofficial sources rather than the South African government. He urged Zimbabweans not to be misled by rumours circulating outside official communication channels.
No official deadline from South Africa Speaking on the matter, Murwira said Harare has maintained close communication with South African authorities and has not been told of any deadline requiring Zimbabwean nationals to leave the country. “There are no deadlines that the South African government has given at any point to Zimbabwe or any other country,” Murwira said. “What we hear are groups outside the official channels who talk about different dates.
I just want to be clear on that matter.” His remarks come after weeks of uncertainty among Zimbabweans living in South Africa, fuelled by social media posts and claims from anti-immigration groups suggesting foreigners were facing deadlines to leave the country. Zimbabwe says returns remain voluntary Murwira stressed that Zimbabwe’s programme to assist returning citizens remains entirely voluntary and is being implemented in cooperation with the South African government. “In our communication with the government of South Africa and in our work, we are working on the voluntary repatriation of all Zimbabweans who want to come home with the collaboration and cooperation of the South African government.” He emphasised that no official communication from Pretoria has instructed Zimbabwe to bring back its nationals by a specified date.
“Not at any point have we been given a deadline.” Zimbabwe continues assisting those who choose to return Zimbabwe has been facilitating the return of citizens affected by recent anti-immigration tensions in South Africa, with authorities repeatedly describing the exercise as voluntary rather than compulsory. Thousands of Zimbabweans have remained in South Africa and have been uncertain about their future following widespread reports of supposed departure deadlines. The post Harare insists South Africa has set no deadline for Zimbabweans to leave appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
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