Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has dismissed reports of overcrowding and food shortages at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) transit centre in Bulawayo, saying the facility is adequately equipped to receive and support Zimbabweans returning from South Africa.
Speaking after touring the Njube-based reception centre yesterday, the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, said claims circulating on social media about congestion, inadequate food supplies and poor living conditions were false and did not reflect the situation on the ground.
She said Government, working with churches, humanitarian organisations and local communities, had put in place comprehensive measures to ensure returnees receive temporary accommodation, food, healthcare and transport assistance before travelling to their respective destinations.
“As Government, working in partnership with churches, humanitarian organisations and local communities, we have established robust mechanisms to ensure that every returnee is received and assisted with dignity,” said Minister Ncube.
She said the transit centre is fully operational, with a registration point, an on-site clinic and a kitchen that operates around the clock to cater for arrivals at any time of the day or night.
“There has been misinformation suggesting that there is congestion and inadequate food at this centre. We want to assure the nation that these reports are not true. Government anticipated this situation and put in place adequate arrangements to receive our people with dignity,” said Minister Ncube.
She said returnees are registered immediately upon arrival before receiving the necessary welfare support.
“The system here is intact. Every person who arrives is first received at a registration point where their details are captured before they are assisted further. There is also a clinic operating within the facility to attend to anyone requiring medical attention immediately upon arrival,” said Minister Ncube.
Health personnel stationed at the centre screen returnees for medical conditions, provide basic treatment where necessary and refer serious cases to health institutions for specialised care.
Minister Ncube said the facility’s kitchen is operational 24 hours a day to ensure that returnees receive hot meals regardless of when buses arrive.
“The kitchen operates 24 hours a day because buses do not arrive according to office hours. Whenever a bus pulls in, regardless of the time, there is a hot meal waiting for those who have travelled long distances,” she said.
The minister added that before leaving for their homes, families are provided with food hampers containing essential commodities, including bags of mealie meal, to ease their reintegration into their communities.
Minister Ncube said the assistance demonstrates Government’s commitment to supporting citizens beyond their stay at the transit centre.
She also commended Bulawayo residents and churches for complementing Government efforts by providing accommodation, food, counselling and volunteer services.
“I want to sincerely commend the churches and the people of Bulawayo. They have demonstrated the true spirit of Ubuntu. Various church denominations have opened their hearts and partnered Government to ensure that our brothers and sisters returning home are welcomed with dignity,” said Minister Ncube.
“This is not Government working alone. This is the community standing together. The response we have witnessed from churches, volunteers and ordinary citizens has been overwhelming and deserves recognition.”
Minister Ncube said the collaboration reflects Zimbabwe’s long-standing culture of solidarity and compassion during times of need.
She urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary anxiety among families with relatives returning from South Africa.
“Our people should rely on verified information. We continue to monitor the situation daily and remain prepared to receive every Zimbabwean returning home safely,” she said.
Officials coordinating operations at the centre said arrivals continue to be processed in an orderly manner, with transport arrangements being made for those travelling to different provinces.
Government departments are working alongside humanitarian organisations at the facility to coordinate registration, welfare support and onward transportation.
The UCCSA transit centre is one of the main reception facilities established in Bulawayo to accommodate Zimbabweans returning from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks.
