Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau
A WARD-level economic empowerment programme targeting citizens returning from South Africa is being rolled out as part of broader efforts to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into communities, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, has said.
The initiative comes as authorities intensify support for citizens affected by ongoing anti-migrant protests in South Africa, which have disproportionately impacted women, girls and children.
Speaking at the handover of more than 1 000 dignity kits donated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and 10 tonnes of rice provided by the Government at the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre yesterday, Minister Mutsvangwa said the focus had shifted beyond emergency relief to long-term economic reintegration.
The dignity kits contain menstrual health and hygiene supplies aimed at restoring privacy and dignity for women and adolescent girls arriving from South Africa.
Minister Mutsvangwa, who also toured Beitbridge Border Post to assess the flow of returning nationals, said women and children had emerged as the most vulnerable victims of the anti-migrant protests.
“It is crucial to acknowledge that these experiences are not uniform. Women and girls, in particular, face unique and often heightened risks during displacement.
“From the moment of transit to the uncertainty of arrival, their vulnerability increases exponentially,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the loss of livelihoods had become a major driver of tension and instability within families and communities.
“My heart bleeds for every one of you as I contemplate the ordeals you have endured. The dangers do not cease upon crossing the border; they persist during transit and escalate when they reach home,” she said.
“It is our duty to break this cycle and ensure that our returnees do not trade one form of danger for another. Men, women, and children navigate these crises differently.”
The Minister added that Government structures had been activated at provincial, district and ward levels to support returnees through livelihood programmes, economic empowerment initiatives and gender-based violence referral services.
“In particular, my Ministry is rolling out a robust plan to increase economic support to men and women returning from South Africa, starting at the ward level,” she said.
“Consider joining the Women’s Bank for access to loans, participating in Village Savings and Lending Associations, or becoming part of cooperatives and SMEs that are the engines of our national growth.”
Minister Mutsvangwa urged communities to welcome returnees and help them reintegrate without discrimination.
“Let us put away any discrimination or stigma and embrace each other with love, care, and a profound sense of Ubuntu.
“Let our collective strength be their shield, and our kindness be their foundation,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa also handed over 10 tonnes of rice to support feeding programmes at the reception centre.
She promised that Government would continue to mobilise resources to ensure no returnee goes hungry during this transition.
The minister also commended development partners and the private sector for supporting the response programme, adding that yesterday’s handover was a testament to the strength of “our partnership and our shared commitment to leaving no woman or girl behind during times of humanitarian need”.
Delivering an inter-agency solidarity statement on behalf of UNFPA, UNICEF, IOM and UN Women, UNFPA country representative Ms Miranda Tabifor said women, adolescent girls and children accounted for the majority of those returning home.
“Crucially, the demographics of those returning highlight that roughly 70 percent are women, adolescent girls, and children; underscoring that their return must be defined by dignity,” said Ms Tabifor.
She said the UN system was focusing on restoring dignity, ensuring safety and protection, and supporting long-term reintegration.
“We applaud the Government of Zimbabwe for its leadership and ownership of this response. The synergy we are witnessing today between line ministries and the UN system is the most effective way to maximize our resources,” she added.
Representing the private sector, Innscor Africa Limited’s head of delegation through Empower Tomorrow, Ms Eunice Mafundikwa, said the company would continue complementing Government efforts.
“Innscor Africa, through Empower Tomorrow, is proud to stand with the Government in supporting our fellow Zimbabweans returning home.
“These are our brothers, our sisters, our children coming back home. Here at the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre, we are complementing the Government’s efforts by providing medical supplies, meals, and reintegration food hampers to ensure every returnee goes home with dignity and hope.
“We are also exploring broader partnerships for sustainable reintegration.”
According to a report presented by Mr Hillary Mahumbe from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s Consular Department, 34 552 Zimbabweans have returned home under the Government’s Voluntary Repatriation Programme, while a further 75 535 have returned using their own resources.
The report noted that anti-migrant groups in South Africa were increasingly targeting businesses operated by foreign nationals, including tuckshops, barber shops and taxi operations.
Weekly marches and night-time attacks have reportedly forced some Zimbabweans to seek refuge at police stations and consulates.
Authorities have recommended the establishment of an Emergency Contingency Fund, while the Registrar General’s Office has been urged to continue issuing national documents at Beitbridge and in destination provinces to ease reintegration.
Beitbridge District Medical Officer Dr Lenos Samhere said the clinic at the reception centre, which opened on June 18, operates around the clock and has attended to 1 838 clients so far, with women accounting for 62 percent of patients and children under 15 making up 28 percent.
He said services being offered include HIV and TB screening, maternal healthcare, catch-up vaccinations and mental health support, with partners such as Médecins Sans Frontières, UNICEF and the Red Cross assisting with medicines and infrastructure.
“Potential threats include infectious disease outbreaks and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). We are strengthening surveillance and community support networks starting at village level,” said Dr Samhere.
