Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
FOR many Zimbabweans returning home from South Africa, the journey back has been marked by loss.
Some arrived with only the clothes on their backs after fleeing violent xenophobic attacks. Others left behind jobs, homes and years of hard work, uncertain of what awaited them across the Limpopo.
But at reception centres across the country, many are discovering that home is not just a place, but also the kindness of strangers.
That spirit of compassion has inspired Bulawayo philanthropist and businesswoman Ms Sazini Tshuma, widely known as Magolide of the Magolide Foundation, who has mobilised food donations from wholesalers, corporate partners and various institutions to help feed Zimbabweans returning from South Africa.
Ms Tshuma’s humanitarian response has gone beyond handing over food parcels.
“For me, assisting people is about restoring hope to people who have already lost so much. No Zimbabwean should return home after escaping violence only to worry about where their next meal will come from,” she said.
Her foundation has mobilised consignments of mealie-meal, rice, beans, cooking oil, flour, sugar, bottled water, canned food and other basic groceries that will supplement Government food supplies at reception centres and assist families taking in returning relatives.
Ms Tshuma said watching the stream of buses bringing home Zimbabweans has actually strengthened her resolve to act.
“Many left Zimbabwe searching for opportunities to provide for their families. Instead, they found themselves caught up in violence that forced them to abandon everything,” she said.
“As citizens, businesses, churches and community organisations, we all have a responsibility to stand with Government in ensuring that our brothers and sisters are welcomed home with dignity.”
Ms Tshuma believes every donation, regardless of size, can change someone’s circumstances.
“Our contribution may seem small compared to the scale of the challenge, but every bag of mealie-meal, every food hamper and every act of kindness reminds someone that they are not alone,” she said.
While emergency food assistance is helping families through the immediate crisis, Ms Tshuma said lasting recovery depends on creating opportunities for returnees to rebuild independent lives.
To that end, the Magolide Foundation has partnered Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Cde Raj Modi to establish vocational training programmes in Bellevue in Bulawayo.
The initiative will equip returnees with practical skills in various trades, enabling them to start small businesses or seek employment.
“Food addresses today’s needs, but empowerment changes tomorrow. We want these young men and women to regain their confidence by acquiring skills that allow them to support themselves, care for their families and contribute to national development,” said Ms Tshuma.
She said the programme seeks to transform returnees from aid recipients into entrepreneurs and productive members of their communities.
“Our objective is not simply to provide relief. We want to restore dignity, confidence and purpose. Skills development gives people the tools to rebuild their lives,” said Ms Tshuma.
Community leaders have welcomed the initiative, saying combining humanitarian relief with vocational training offers a sustainable path towards reintegration.
The intervention complements Government’s nationwide response to the humanitarian crisis, which has seen nearly 100 000 Zimbabweans repatriated following the recent xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Working with churches, development partners, humanitarian organisations and the private sector, Government continues to provide temporary accommodation, food, healthcare and transport assistance to returning citizens before reuniting them with their families.
