WATCH: Well-wishers rally behind returnees as Minister Ncube hails national unity

THE Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, has hailed the continued support from well-wishers donating food and clothing to Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, saying the assistance demonstrates the spirit of national unity and compassion.

Minister Ncube made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving donations from the Rotary Club of Matopos and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in Njube, which is serving as a temporary reception and transit centre for returnees.

She said the response from individuals, churches and organisations had complemented Government efforts to ensure returnees are treated with dignity as they reintegrate into their communities.
“This humbles us to see people coming forward and partnering Government to make sure our brothers and sisters receive a soft landing as they come back home. Government is the people and when the people do this, it is in essence the Government,” said Minister Ncube.

She stressed that the donations were benefiting not only returnees who intend to settle in Bulawayo but also those travelling to other parts of the country.

“This is a transit place. Our people are going to various places in Matabeleland North and South as well as the Midlands. As Government, our officials from these different provinces are on site to ensure a smooth transition,” she said.

The Rotary Club of Matopos donated assorted clothing, mainly for women and children, including jackets, dresses, blouses, tracksuits and pyjamas.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 1 500 kilogrammes of mealie-meal, sanitary pads, 150 blankets and 100 mattresses.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Bulawayo Zimbabwe Stake President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mr Mzingaye Ndlovu, said the donation was made in response to an appeal from Government.

“We met with Minister Ncube and the Civil Protection Unit who gave us a list of things that may be needed for this situation. As a church, we mobilised resources among ourselves and came up with these items. It is not everything that may be required, but we believe it will still go a long way in assisting those in need,” said Mr Ndlovu.

Donations from corporates, churches, civic organisations and individuals have continued to pour in at the UCCSA centre as authorities work to support Zimbabweans returning from South Africa following recent developments affecting foreign nationals in that country.

The reception centre remains a key coordination point for humanitarian assistance, temporary accommodation and onward transportation of returnees to their respective home provinces.