The Zambia government has reportedly repatriated 40 of its nationals from South Africa following concerns over anti-foreigner demonstrations in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
President of the Zambia Association in South Africa, Ferdinand Simaanya said the exercise commenced on May 23, 2026, and the returnees arrived safely in the country on May 25, 2026, facilitated by the Embassy in Pretoria.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Simaanya said the move was undertaken in response to recent demonstrations against foreign nationals in certain parts of South Africa.
He said the action was prompted by announcements made by local community groupings and the Mayor of Estcourt calling for foreign nationals to leave the town by the end of May 2026.
“The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Zambian Embassy in Pretoria, successfully facilitated the repatriation of forty (40) Zambian nationals from the Republic of South Africa to Zambia,” he said.
Simaanya said following the developments, members of the Zambia South Africa Association in Estcourt alerted the ZASA National Management Team, which engaged the Zambian Embassy in Pretoria.
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He said the engagement led to the establishment of a registration process for Zambian nationals wishing to return home.
“The repatriation programme also accommodated Zambians from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and surrounding areas, in addition to those residing in Estcourt,” Simaanya said.
Simaanya stated that efforts were underway to engage families in Zambia whose relatives may be affected by the current situation in South Africa, to ensure families were part of the support framework.
He said while the situation remained relatively calm in some areas, reports indicated that uncertainty persists in certain localities, particularly within specific residential communities.
“ZASA will continue to closely monitor developments on the ground and maintain regular engagement with the Zambian Embassy to ensure that the welfare and safety of Zambian nationals remain a priority,” he said.
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