Online Reporter
Staff Reporter
Bridging Gap Foundation has pledged US$1 million to fund the emergency repatriation of 20 000 Zimbabweans fleeing xenophobic violence in South Africa.
This comes as President Mnangagwa has called upon the nation to embrace and roll out the carpet to returning Zimbabweans.
The pledge comes as tens of thousands of Zimbabweans rush to return home ahead of a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant vigilante groups demanding the departure of all undocumented foreigners.
At the Beitbridge border post alone, 24 211 Zimbabweans have self-repatriated since May 28, according to Regional Immigration Officer Joshua Chibundu.
An official acknowledgement letter dated June 26 from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, confirms formal acceptance of the donation and commends the foundation’s “timely intervention”.
The ministry, through the Department of Civil Protection, has requested the foundation to complete procurement processes and hand over a fleet of buses to transport returnees.
Authorities have asked the foundation to specify how many buses would operate within South Africa and how many would be deployed at the Beitbridge border post, as well as provide contact details for coordinating officials.
Apart from that, the foundation also pledged US$ 2 million to the returning Zimbabweans for startups.
The money, which will be accessed from different banks, will help the returnees establish themselves and ensure the country takes advantage of the skills they acquired while they were south of the Limpopo.
At Beitbridge, the reception centre is severely overcrowded, with acute shortages of sleeping space and overwhelmed sanitation facilities.
Returnees are currently being sustained on US$4.50 food vouchers, but officials are pleading for emergency reinforcements.
“We are facing a sharp increase in arrivals,” said Nobuhle Ncube, a representative from the Department of Social Development.
Many returnees report being ordered to vacate homes by South African landlords threatened by vigilante groups.
The anti-migrant movement, organised by a group known as March and March, began staging demonstrations at schools and hospitals, falsely alleging that foreign nationals received preferential treatment.
It has since escalated its campaign, threatening intensified actions if undocumented migrants do not leave by June 30.
The South African government has dismissed the June 30 deadline, with Home Affairs Director-General Dr Tommy Makhode stating: “The 30 June date you are hearing is not a Government position. Our Constitution and immigration laws protect the rights of everyone inside South Africa.”
Between June 12 and 24, South Africa’s Border Management Authority processed 6 709 Malawian nationals and 1 521 Zimbabweans for repatriation at Beitbridge.
More than 500 Zimbabweans were also gathered outside the consulate in Cape Town seeking repatriation assistance.
The foundation has previously donated US$500 000 for natural disaster relief in Mozambique and has funded various health, education, and community development projects across Zimbabwe.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe, who toured the Beitbridge reception centre, appealed for national unity.
“To my fellow citizens across Zimbabwe: I appeal to your sense of compassion and solidarity. This is the time for ubuntu. Let us welcome our fellow Zimbabweans with open arms.”
