Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
Government is considering measures to ease the burden on Zimbabweans returning home from neighbouring countries, including a review of taxes and tariffs that have become a major concern for many migrants seeking to reintegrate into society.
This follows an appeal made to President Mnangagwa by the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire who said he had taken concerns raised by Zimbabweans, particularly young people based in South Africa, directly to the Head of State.
In a statement on his Facebook page, the Minister said the Government had acknowledged the concerns surrounding duties and border-related costs that many returnees face when bringing personal belongings and household goods back into the country.
“After receiving your messages, concerns, and appeals regarding the challenges facing Zimbabweans returning home, I felt compelled to take your concerns directly to our listening and compassionate leader, His Excellency President Dr ED Mnangagwa,” he said.
The Minister said the relevant Government department had recognised the importance and urgency of the matter and committed itself to examining possible interventions.
“I am pleased to advise that the relevant Minister has acknowledged your appeal regarding the review of taxes and tariffs and has recognised the importance and urgency of this matter. He has committed to looking into the situation and exploring measures to support our young people affected in South Africa,” he said.
The appeal centres on calls for returning Zimbabweans to be allowed to bring back personal property and household goods without facing prohibitive duties, enabling them to restart their lives after years spent working abroad.
“I presented your appeal that returning Zimbabweans be allowed to bring their personal property and household goods so they can rebuild their lives with dignity rather than return home empty-handed after years of hard work abroad,” said Minister Machakaire.
He noted that many Zimbabweans returning from South Africa and other countries often struggle with the cost of importing household goods accumulated over years of employment, making reintegration difficult.
The minister said Government remained committed to finding practical solutions that support returning citizens and ensure their smooth transition back home.
“As a people-centred Government, we must continue seeking practical solutions that ease their return and reintegration,” he said.
He added that his ministry stood ready to assist returning young Zimbabweans through a range of empowerment initiatives aimed at helping them establish sustainable livelihoods.
“As the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, we stand ready to support returning young Zimbabweans through skills development, vocational training, entrepreneurship and empowerment programmes that enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
The minister also commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for facilitating transport assistance for Zimbabweans stranded in South Africa, describing the intervention as evidence of a responsive Government.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and his team for their swift intervention in facilitating transport assistance for our young people in South Africa. Their efforts reflect a caring and responsive Government that leaves no one behind,” he said.
He encouraged returning Zimbabweans to view their return as an opportunity to contribute to the country’s development, saying their skills and experience remained valuable national assets.
“To our brothers and sisters returning home: Zimbabwe welcomes you. Your skills, experience, resilience and contributions remain invaluable to our nation’s development. Together, we will build, empower and create opportunities for a brighter future for all,” he said.
