Returnees vow never to return to South Africa, warn of farm labour crisis

SOME Zimbabweans returning from South Africa have vowed never to go back, describing the experiences that forced them to leave as traumatic, while warning that South African farms could soon face labour shortages following the departure of thousands of foreign workers.

Speaking to Zimpapers at the reception centre at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in Njube, Bulawayo, on Thursday, several returnees who arrived on Wednesday evening said many commercial farms in South Africa depended heavily on foreign workers, particularly Zimbabweans.

The latest group forms part of a growing number of Zimbabweans returning home following heightened anti-migrant tensions in parts of South Africa.
Mr Wiseman Mlilo from Tshefunye in Tsholotsho, who had been working in Limpopo Province, said he lost virtually everything after being forced to flee at short notice.
“I will never go back to South Africa. What I went through was traumatising. I left my goods such as sofas, a refrigerator and bicycles and they were all looted because I had no time to prepare,” he said.

A skilled builder and tiler, Mr Mlilo said South African agriculture would likely feel the effects of the departure of foreign workers.
“My fear is that while we may have been chased away, this move will bite the South African economy sooner rather than later. White farmers were left staring at their farms without anyone to attend to them,” he said.

Another returnee, Mr Bancgwele Sibanda from Plumtree, said he had also resolved never to return to South Africa.
“I am a welder, so I would rather get a job back home or, if I receive financial assistance, start my own small business,” he said.
Mr Sibanda said he returned with only a single bag containing a few clothes.
“There was no time to pack our things,” he said.

Mr Brighton Ncube from Ntabazinduna, who had been living in Polokwane since 2008, said although he returned empty-handed, he was grateful to be back in Zimbabwe.
“Home is always best. I went to South Africa in 2008 but came back with nothing. I have no identity particulars. I informed the officials here, but they just wrote my name down and did not explain how I would get those documents,” he said.

Government, working with churches, humanitarian organisations and other partners, is providing temporary accommodation, meals and other essential services to the returnees while arrangements are made for them to travel to their respective home areas.

Authorities have also indicated that reintegration support will extend beyond the reception phase, with empowerment programmes and livelihood initiatives being developed to help returnees rebuild their lives and become economically productive.