WATCH: Churches continue supporting returning Zimbabweans as numbers rise

CHURCHES under the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) in Bulawayo are continuing to provide humanitarian assistance to Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, with more than 600 people having so far passed through a reception centre established at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in Njube.

The reception centre, which was set up following the South African Government’s decision to end the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) programme, is providing temporary accommodation, meals, medical services and transport assistance to returnees as they make their way to their respective destinations across the country.

Bishop Lazarus Khanye, who is coordinating the programme with Bishop Senda Ngulube, said the churches had stepped in to complement Government efforts by ensuring that returnees are received with dignity and assisted during their transition.

The remainder of the story can then continue with Bishop Khanye’s explanation of the registration process, health services, transport assistance, the Chronicle reporter’s observations at the reception centre, and the appeal for donations.

This approach acknowledges the previous coverage while advancing the story with updated figures and developments, making it a proper follow-up rather than repeating the original report.