Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
ZIMBABWEANS repatriated from South Africa have recounted harrowing experiences of fleeing renewed attacks against foreign nationals, saying they were forced to abandon homes, household property and livelihoods to save their lives.
The returnees, who arrived at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) reception centre in Njube suburb,
Bulawayo, on Wednesday evening, said they escaped with only the clothes they could carry as violent attacks erupted in the communities where they lived and worked.
Their tales highlight the human cost of the latest wave of anti-foreigner violence that has displaced thousands of Zimbabweans and prompted Government to activate a nationwide repatriation and reintegration programme.
Since the exercise began on May 28, Government has repatriated more than 21,000 Zimbabweans, while an estimated 56,832 others have returned through self-repatriation arrangements.
Speaking to a Zimpapers news crew, Mr Wiseman Mlilo, a builder and tiler from Tshefunye Village in Tsholotsho who had been working in Limpopo Province, said the ordeal had convinced him never to return to South Africa.
“I will never go back to South Africa. What I went through was traumatising. I left behind my sofas, refrigerator and bicycles because there was no time to prepare. Everything was looted after we fled,” he said.
Another returnee, Mr Bangcwele Sibanda from Plumtree, said he hopes to rebuild his life in Zimbabwe through self-employment.
“I am a welder, so I would rather find work here at home or, if I receive financial assistance, start my own small business. I only came back with one bag containing a few clothes because we had no time to pack,” he said.
For Mr Brighton Ncube of Ntabazinduna, who had lived in Polokwane since 2008, returning home empty-handed was still preferable to living in fear.
“Home is always best. I came back with nothing. I also have no identity documents. I informed the officials here and I hope I will be assisted to obtain them,” he said.
The Government has already directed the Civil Registry Department to prioritise the processing of identity documents for returning Zimbabweans to facilitate their reintegration.
For Mr Mike Mbewe, the journey home marked the end of two decades of hardship in South Africa.
Having left Zimbabwe as an 18-year-old, Mr Mbewe said life in Durban never turned out as he had hoped.
“I never secured formal employment. I survived on piece jobs and lived from hand to mouth,” he said.
Mr Mbewe said losing contact with relatives back home was a consequence of financial hardship rather than choice.
“I always wanted to come back home, but I simply could not afford it. Life was a struggle. I am grateful to the Government for helping us return safely,” he said.
Now back in Zimbabwe, Mr Mbewe hopes to start a poultry project to rebuild his life. Funds permitting, I want to establish a poultry business that will sustain me. My late parents left a house in Entumbane, but for now I am staying with my aunt in Njube,” he said.
Government, working with churches, development partners and other stakeholders, is providing temporary accommodation, food, healthcare, psychosocial support and transport to returnees before they proceed to their respective home districts.
Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube said Government’s support would extend beyond the initial reception process to ensure returnees successfully rebuild their lives.
“We will come up with self-empowerment programmes so that you are able to live a normal life here at home,” she said.
Minister Ncube acknowledged that while some returnees had been formally employed in South Africa and wished to remain economically active, others would require assistance through skills development and income-generating projects.
She also commended the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) for partnering Government by providing temporary shelter and welfare support at the UCCSA reception centre.
“This programme came to life because of our churches in Bulawayo. It is not just one church but all our churches, and for that we sincerely appreciate their support,” she said.
Meanwhile, yesterday, donations of food, clothing, toiletries and other essentials continued to pour in from individuals, churches and corporate organisations in response to President Mnangagwa’s call for returning Zimbabweans to be accorded a safe and dignified homecoming.
Government is transporting returnees to their respective provinces, with the majority destined for Matabeleland North and
Matabeleland South. The repatriation programme forms part of a broader Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society response that includes temporary accommodation, medical care, psychosocial support, identity document processing, school placement for returning children and self-empowerment programmes to facilitate sustainable reintegration.
President Mnangagwa has assured all returning Zimbabweans that they will be welcomed with open arms and encouraged them to contribute their skills and experience towards building, modernising and industrialising the country in pursuit of Vision 2030.
