Tanzania has finalised a comprehensive voluntary repatriation programme to bring home 669 of its citizens currently living in South Africa. Led by the Tanzanian High Commission under directives from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the phased exercise begins on August 26, 2026, with an initial group departing from Durban.
Phased Repatriation Plan Across South African Provinces
The government effort is structured to move citizens in distinct regional groups across South Africa. The initial phase concentrates on 241 Tanzanians residing in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province. This group is scheduled to board an Air Tanzania Company Limited aircraft departing from King Shaka International Airport on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Ahead of that departure, returnees must complete a verification process on Tuesday, August 26, and Wednesday, August 26. This processing will take place at the City View Mall, located at 10 Mathews Meyiwa Road in Greyville, Durban, with the centre opening from six o’clock in the morning, according to an official statement issued by the Tanzanian High Commission in Pretoria.
Logistical Guidelines for Travel Documents
The High Commission established specific processing protocols to accommodate citizens facing various documentation challenges. The registration covers individuals without passports, those holding expired or lost passports, and children born in South Africa to Tanzanian parents.
Applicants lacking valid passports will receive Emergency Travel Documents to enable their travel. Furthermore, the High Commission has urged registered Tanzanians to remain patient as arrangements are completed, specifically requesting those holding Asylum Seeker Certificates to remain at the designated processing centre until their Voluntary Repatriation Permits are processed.
Next Waves From Cape Town and Johannesburg
Following the Durban departure, the operation moves south. The second phase targets approximately 300 Tanzanians living in Cape Town, who are expected to return during the first week of September. High Commissioner, Mr James Bwana said early this week that the official date for this second journey will be announced by the Embassy as soon as preparations are finalised.
A final contingent based in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, will complete the overall total of 669 repatriated Tanzanians, forming the final group departing on a date to be announced in due course, said Mr Bwana when outlining the plan.
Government Directives and Presidential Commitment
This national assistance program was mobilised after the citizens themselves formally requested government support to return to their homeland. Reflecting on the President’s commitment, Mr Bwana emphasised that the government received the request with the intention of enabling its citizens to return to their country.
The Honourable President has welcomed them back home and has directed me, as her Ambassador here in South Africa, to ensure that Tanzanians who are ready to return voluntarily are enabled to do so, Mr Bwana
Co-operation and Returnee Integration
Executing this large-scale repatriation exercise requires close co-operation between the Tanzanian High Commission and South African authorities. The primary objective is to ensure that all returning citizens complete the necessary legal and logistical procedures to arrive safely in Tanzania, where they can continue participating in various social and economic activities, as well as nation-building.
He added that the government had arranged all transport logistics to make the transition as smooth as possible for the returning citizens. We welcome them home to reunite with their relatives, families, and friends, and to continue with nation-building activities,
he said.
