Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
UNITED Nations Women (UN Women) has called for the active involvement of traditional leaders in the reintegration of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, saying community-based support structures are critical to ensuring the successful resettlement of returnees.
The call was made on Tuesday during a visit by a UN Women delegation to the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) returnees transit centre in Njube.
Led by UN Women acting country director Ms Loveness Makonese, the delegation said the visit was prompted by the growing number of women and children among the returnees fleeing anti-migrant violence and heightened immigration enforcement in South Africa.
Ms Makonese said women and children constituted the majority of those returning home, making it imperative to strengthen protection systems and ensure they were effectively reintegrated into their communities.
“Traditional leaders have a key role to play in welcoming returnees, combating stigma and facilitating their social and economic reintegration,” said Ms Makonese.
The delegation also assessed conditions at the transit centre and engaged Government officials and humanitarian partners supporting the reception and reintegration of the returnees.
UN Women reaffirmed its commitment to working with Government and other stakeholders to ensure that women and children returning home receive the protection, support and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.
Colletta Dube