Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo and Wallace Ruzvidzo Zimpapers Writers
GOVERNMENT has put in place comprehensive measures for the seamless, safe, orderly and dignified re-integration of all Zimbabweans returning from South Africa and the rest of the Diaspora, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his address at the burial of the late National Hero Major General (RTD) Everisto Dzihwema, the President said all returning Zimbabweans will be received with open arms.
“Our hands, therefore, are outstretched to receive all those coming back home. You are welcome.
Tinokugamuchirayi. Siyalamukela. Welcome home,” he said.
President Mnangagwa encouraged returnees to take part in Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to build, modernise, industrialise and develop the country, pursuant to the attainment of Vision 2030.
“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo. Under the Second Republic, we are ‘leaving no one and no place behind ‘.”
“I want to assure all our people returning from the Diaspora that our Zanu- PF-led Government has put in place comprehensive plans for the seamless, safe, orderly and dignified re-integration,” he said.
Going forward, President Mnangagwa appealed to all communities, including traditional leaders, churches and families, to play their part towards the successful re-integration arrangements, as outlined in various circulars from Zanu-PF and Government.
“Meanwhile, I invite the private sector and well-wishers to donate and partner with Government to accelerate the repatriation of many more of our people back home,” he said.
The President commended community members along the transit route, including in Matabeleland South and Masvingo Provinces, for demonstrating acts of kindness towards those going back to their countries of origin, including Malawi.
He said the conduct aligns with the warm and hospitable character traits Zimbabweans are known for.
“Well done, Tinozvitenda, Siyabonga,” said President Mnangagwa.
As of last Thursday, the Government had facilitated the repatriation of 11 065 Zimbabweans, with a further 47 703 citizens returning home through self-repatriation efforts, bringing the cumulative total of returnees to 58 768.
Of the 11 065 who have been repatriated, 2 449 are male adults, while 3 661 are female adults. There are also 2 407 male minors, 2 540 female minors and eight unaccompanied minors.
President Mnangagwa then challenged Zimbabweans to continue raising the banner of unity, peace and development.
“The focus remains on delivering transformative results towards improving the quality of life of our people.
“I urge the nation, in particular the young generation, to take a leaf from the exemplary life of the late National Hero Major General (Rtd) Dzihwema, who distinguished himself through unparalleled discipline, sacrifice, hard work and a fierce commitment to the ethos of the liberation struggle.
“His rise through the ranks in the Defence Forces and Civil Service was due to his profound commitment to duty and unwavering love for this nation,” he said.
The President said the late National Hero possessed rare and strong leadership qualities that were underpinned by humility and a compassionate heart that earned him respect from all those who worked with him.
“To the late National Hero, Major General (Rtd) Everisto Dzihwema, I say to you: the nation cherishes your lifetime sacrifice and achievements in service to the people.
“You bequeath to us who are left behind the important values of professional conduct that is based on patriotism, loyalty, honesty, integrity, humility, hard-honest work and exemplary leadership. Your deeds of merit and outstanding life of service will remain immortalised in our national memory,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) continued receiving and assisting Zimbabwean citizens fleeing violence against migrants in South Africa, providing temporary shelter, meals, medical care and transport to their home districts.
The returnees are being accommodated at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in Njube as Government, working with churches and other partners, intensifies efforts to ensure their smooth and dignified reintegration.
Bishop Lazarus Khanye, who is coordinating the exercise with Bishop Senda Ngulube, said more than 600 returnees have so far passed through the reception centre, with most travelling to Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces.
“We thought of coming on board and assisting the Government in our small way. Through well-wishers, we feed the returnees and also transport them to wherever they will be going,” said Bishop Khanye.
Upon arrival, returnees undergo a registration and profiling process involving various Government departments before proceeding to their respective destinations.
“We’ve four desks here and the first one is for initial registration and profiling of the returnee. After that, those with school-going children are given specific letters enabling them to enrol their children at any school of their choice in the country,” said Bishop Khanye.
He said a health desk has also been established to cater for those requiring medical attention, while a satellite clinic is operating within the church premises to provide immediate healthcare services.
A Zimpapers news crew yesterday observed a bus carrying dozens of returnees arriving at the reception centre shortly before midday. Government officials and volunteers swiftly registered the passengers, served them meals and directed them to the various service desks.
Various Government agencies, led by the Permanent Secretary for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Paul Nyoni, were on site coordinating logistics and facilitating onward travel.
By late afternoon, most of the returnees had been transported to their respective destinations. One returnee, who identified himself only as Mike, expressed gratitude to the Government and the church for the support.
“I am happy that I am back home, but my heart still bleeds that after 20 years in South Africa, I only came back home with a blanket and a small bag with my clothes. Everything else remained there because we were violently evicted,” he said.
The church-led humanitarian intervention complements the Government’s whole-of-Government response to assist returning Zimbabweans following the conclusion of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) programme.
Government has already directed all schools to accommodate children of returning families, deployed Civil Registry officials to expedite the processing of identity documents, and introduced customs duty concessions to ease the resettlement of qualifying returnees.
The support measures form part of the Second Republic’s policy of ensuring that returning Zimbabweans are reintegrated with dignity while advancing the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) objective of inclusive social protection and the constitutional principle of leaving no one and no place behind.
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and his wife Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Defence Minister and ZANU PF National Chairman Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, Senior ZANU PF members and service chiefs, among others, attended the hero’s burial.
