Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has released US$2 million to assist Zimbabweans returning home from South Africa following a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment that has resulted in fear of a repeat of xenophobic attacks against African immigrants.
This was said by Mr Nathan Nkomo, chief director for the Civil Protection Unit in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
“The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion is providing direct funding to drive a coordinated, multi-sectoral national response.
“This financial backing requires that key Government arms have the necessary resources, large-scale logistics, camp safety and citizen welfare nets around the clock.
“Yesterday (Monday), Treasury released US$2 million,” he said.
Mr Nkomo said they were expecting that approximately 500 000 Zimbabweans would return home as a result of fears of attacks in South Africa.
As of Monday, a total of 111 887 returnees had returned home from South Africa since May 28, with 77 071 self-repatriating, while the Government assisted 34 816.
Mr Nkomo said some of those self-repatriating citizens are medical professionals, including doctors and nurses.
Mr Nkomo also said Governments had received assistance from organisations such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children’s Fund.
He also said local organisations and individuals were also donating to the welfare of returnees housed at Beitbridge Border Post.
Appearing before the Committee, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Pfungwa Kunaka said Government had directed that children of school-going age be admitted to school unconditionally.
“Children of school going age should be admitted to school and were necessary, will be assisted through the Basic Education Assistance Module” Mr Kunaka said.
