Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
BULAWAYO Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Judith Ncube has praised the growing spirit of unity among individuals, churches and organisations supporting Zimbabwean returnees housed at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) transit centre in Njube.
Speaking during the handover of 107 blankets donated by Divine Healing Prophetic Ministries on Tuesday, Cde Ncube likened the support being extended to returnees to the solidarity shown by Zimbabweans during the 1979 ceasefire period that marked the end of the liberation war.
She said the willingness by communities to assist those in need demonstrated the values of unity and collective responsibility.
“This reminds us of the oneness we witnessed when the ceasefire was declared. People volunteered to offer accommodation and all manner of assistance to those who were returning from outside the country. This is the same spirit of oneness we are experiencing here,” she said.
The Cowdray Park-based church, led by Prophet Ndumiso Tshuma, donated the blankets to support returnees temporarily accommodated at the transit centre. Prophet Tshuma was accompanied by his wife Mrs Mandy Tshuma and other congregants during the handover.
Cde Ncube commended the church for complementing Government efforts to ensure returning Zimbabweans receive dignified care during their transition period.
“We are truly humbled by this kind gesture from the church. It demonstrates unity of purpose, which is exactly what we need as a province and indeed as a country. If we do not unite, we will all fail, but if we unite, we shall all succeed and Vision 2030 will be easier to achieve,” she said.
The minister appealed to the business community to assist with fuel donations to support the transportation of returnees from the transit centre to their respective destinations across the country.
“Our churches and other volunteers are transporting these returnees to their various destinations after they arrive at the centre, and they require fuel. I therefore appeal to the business community to come on board and assist in this regard,” she said.
Cde Ncube said President Mnangagwa had directed that all returning Zimbabweans should be accorded a soft landing upon arrival, with Government committed to safeguarding their welfare.
She said efforts were also being made to ensure long-term reintegration of returnees through income-generating projects, while those with specialised skills would be assisted in finding employment opportunities.
The blanket donation is the latest gesture of support from churches, civic organisations and well-wishers who have rallied behind Government’s efforts to assist Zimbabweans returning home from South Africa.
