Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
BULAWAYO — Tsholotsho South legislator Musa Ncube has mobilised a humanitarian response to assist Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, saying no citizen should be left to face the challenges of starting over alone.
The intervention comes as Zimbabweans continue returning home following reports of xenophobic threats targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, with many arriving after abruptly leaving their jobs, businesses and homes.
Ncube has been coordinating the reception of returnees in Tsholotsho South, working with community leaders and local structures to facilitate their safe reintegration into their families and communities.
The humanitarian initiative includes transport assistance, psychosocial support and the provision of essential supplies such as food, clothing and blankets to vulnerable returnees.
Ncube said it was the responsibility of every Zimbabwean to embrace those returning home with compassion and dignity.
“These are our fellow Zimbabweans and they deserve to be welcomed home with dignity, compassion and hope. Many have returned under difficult circumstances after losing their livelihoods, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they do not feel abandoned.”
She said helping returnees rebuild their lives required more than meeting their immediate material needs.
“Some of those coming back have experienced uncertainty and emotional distress after being forced to leave the lives they had built. We must stand with them by providing practical assistance while also helping them regain confidence and settle back into their communities.”
Ncube said her office would continue working with traditional leaders, churches, local authorities and other stakeholders to identify families requiring urgent support.
“I appeal to the corporate sector, development partners, churches and well-wishers to join hands with us in supporting these vulnerable families. Together, we can restore hope, ease their transition and demonstrate the values of unity and solidarity that define us as Zimbabweans.”
Residents commended the initiative, saying it had brought relief to affected families while strengthening community solidarity in Tsholotsho South.
The humanitarian intervention highlights the importance of coordinated community support in responding to regional migration challenges while ensuring returning Zimbabweans are afforded a dignified transition back into their communities.
