by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) — FOR thousands of Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa, the dream of returning home has become increasingly complicated.
While many face hostility, discrimination and periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence in their host country, some believe economic barriers awaiting them at home are discouraging their return.
According to Citizens Watch Zimbabwe (CWZ), growing numbers of Zimbabwean migrants have expressed concern over customs duties and import charges imposed on personal belongings and assets accumulated during years of working abroad.
The organisation argues that these costs place an additional burden on citizens who left Zimbabwe in search of economic opportunities and now wish to rebuild their lives at home.
CWZ President Patience Chard said many Zimbabweans feel trapped between two difficult realities.
On one hand, they face insecurity and social tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals have at times been subjected to intimidation, assault and, in some cases, deadly violence. On the other, they fear losing hard-earned possessions if they attempt to return permanently to Zimbabwe.
“The concern being raised by many returnees is that they spent years working to improve their lives, only to face significant financial obstacles when trying to bring their belongings home,” Chard said.
The issue highlights a broader challenge confronting many developing nations: how to encourage citizens in the diaspora to return and invest in their home countries.
Economists have long argued that successful governments should create an environment that attracts talent, investment and entrepreneurship rather than placing excessive burdens on returning citizens.
Good governance is often measured not only by the ability to collect taxes but also by the capacity to create jobs, strengthen institutions, uphold the rule of law and expand opportunities for ordinary citizens.
Where corruption, weak accountability and limited economic prospects persist, migration frequently becomes a survival strategy rather than a choice.
The plight of Zimbabwean migrants has also reignited debate about the responsibility of governments to protect their citizens abroad.
Several African countries have previously intervened during periods of unrest in South Africa affecting their nationals overseas through diplomatic engagement, repatriation programmes and reintegration support, but the Zimbabwean government is being accused of neglecting its own citizens.
Calls for calm by Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday sought to ease tensions and discourage attacks on foreign nationals.
However, rights advocates argue that lasting solutions require stronger law enforcement, greater social cohesion and regional cooperation to address the underlying causes of migration and xenophobia.
For many Zimbabweans caught between economic hardship at home and uncertainty abroad, the search for security, dignity and opportunity remains an ongoing struggle.
– CAJ News