Zimbabwe offers lifeline to citizens fleeing SA

Brandon Josphat
POLITICAL EDITOR

AUTHORITIES have unveiled special duty concessions, flexible import clearance measures, and emergency repatriation support for Zimbabweans fleeing renewed Afrophobic violence in South Africa.
This comes as the government confirmed that 660 Zimbabweans have already been assisted in returning home, while emergency plans have been activated to facilitate the safe evacuation and reintegration of more citizens affected by the escalating violence.
To ease the burden on returning citizens, the Treasury has authorised flexible customs arrangements covering personal belongings, household goods, and selected commercial equipment, while also providing relief measures for motor vehicle imports.
In a letter dated June 10 addressed to Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa, the permanent secretary in the ministry of Finance, George Guvamatanga, said the concessions were intended to make the return process easier for affected Zimbabweans.
“I write with reference to the minute from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, as well as your correspondence regarding the clearance of personal and household effects for Zimbabwean nationals returning home in response to the renewed xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa.
“You will recall that in 2023, a similar occurrence was experienced whereby it was anticipated that upon the expiry of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs), returning residents’ personal and household effects would be catered for through implementing a flexible administration mechanism under the immigrants’ rebate of duty to accommodate the needs of immigrants as follows:
“For motor vehicles, the facility would cater for only one motor vehicle imported by a ZEP holder.
“All motor vehicles would be cleared under a suspension of duty, whereby VAT would remain payable; Zimra would apply flexible valuation terms to ensure that the VAT payable on the vehicles would be minimal. “No permits would be required for motor vehicles above the age of 10 years. “The exempted motor vehicle must have been purchased prior to the expiry of the ZEPs, that is, prior to December 31, 2022,” read part of the letter. The concessions would also extend to personal property and commercial equipment owned by returnees before the expiry of their permits.
“For personal property and equipment of a commercial nature, a rebate of duty would apply on personal and household property, as well as property of a commercial nature, which presumably the returnees would have been using in their businesses.
“The exempted property must have been purchased prior to the expiry of the ZEPs, that is, prior to December 31, 2022. “There would be flexibility with respect to the time of arrival in order to accord residents who returned by December 2022 ample time to clear their goods; and other ministries would gazette the appropriate instruments relevant to their jurisdictions,” the letter further read.
Guvamatanga said the Treasury was prepared to extend the same privileges and concessions previously granted to Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders, subject to safeguards against abuse.
“Given the circumstances under which the residents are returning to Zimbabwe, the Treasury is amenable to extending the privileges and concessions granted to ZEP holders under the same terms and conditions. “This is subject to the appropriate evaluation in order to limit potential abuse of the facility by non-qualifying returning residents. Furthermore, the facility will not apply to new items.
“In the case of motor vehicles, returnees are required to meet the conditions that ordinarily apply to immigrants. These include prior ownership of the motor vehicle,” Guvamatanga said.
The permanent secretary in the ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana, yesterday said the government remained committed to protecting Zimbabweans caught up in the violence.
“The government of Zimbabwe, like any administration that truly values its people, holds the safety and well-being of its nationals as a matter of deepest concern.
“To date, we have been able to repatriate 660 of our citizens from South Africa, and we remain committed to supporting all those who wish to return home.
“If you or someone you know requires assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our embassy and consulates. We will leave no one behind,” Mangwana said. The latest measures build on emergency rescue plans announced last week after the government moved to assist Zimbabweans seeking to escape the growing wave of anti-foreigner violence in South Africa.
Speaking to the Daily News last week, the deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheillah Chikomo, confirmed that authorities had activated a comprehensive repatriation programme backed by several ministries.