Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) in Bulawayo have started receiving Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, where they are providing temporary accommodation and humanitarian assistance at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in Njube.
The church has become one of the key reception centres for returnees following the South African Government’s decision to end the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) programme, prompting many Zimbabweans to return home.
According to Bishop Lazarus Khanye, who is coordinating the programme together with Bishop Senda Ngulube, more than 600 returnees have so far passed through the centre, with the majority travelling onwards to different parts of the country.
He said most of the returnees are destined for Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces, although others are heading to various districts across Zimbabwe.
“We thought of coming on board and assist the Government in our little way. Through well-wishers, we are able to provide meals for the returnees and also assist with transport to wherever they will be going,” said Bishop Khanye.
He said the reception centre works closely with Government departments to ensure that all returnees are properly documented and assisted before proceeding to their final destinations.
“Upon arrival, the returnees are profiled by relevant Government agencies. We have four desks operating here. The first one is for initial registration and profiling of the returnee. After that, those with school-going children are given letters which they can use to enrol their children at any school of their choice in the country,” he said.
Bishop Khanye said the centre also has a health desk staffed by medical personnel to attend to returnees requiring medical attention, while a satellite clinic has been established within the church premises to cater for emergencies and routine health assessments.
He said the involvement of churches complements Government efforts to ensure that returning Zimbabweans are received with dignity and supported as they reintegrate into their communities.
“Our role is to ensure that no one goes hungry or lacks basic assistance while in transit. We are grateful to our partners and well-wishers who continue to donate food, clothing and other essentials to support this humanitarian initiative,” he said.
A Chronicle news crew on Monday morning witnessed a bus carrying dozens of returnees arriving at the reception centre.
The passengers, who included women, children and elderly people, were warmly welcomed before proceeding to the registration desks, where officials recorded their details.
Some were later directed to the health desk for medical screening, while families with school-going children received information on the enrolment process.
Volunteers prepared and served meals as transport arrangements were made for those travelling to various destinations across the country.
The church continues to appeal to individuals, churches, companies and development partners to support the programme through donations of food, blankets, clothing, toiletries and transport assistance as the number of returnees continues to increase.
