We won’t abandon you, Govt assures returnees

MINISTER of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, has assured Zimbabweans returning from South Africa that Government will continue supporting them beyond their arrival home through empowerment programmes aimed at helping them rebuild their lives.

Speaking at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in Njube yesterday evening, where another group of returnees was received, Minister Ncube said the Government was committed to ensuring that those coming back reintegrate successfully into society.

Wednesday’s group arrived with a 10th bus to reach the temporary shelter since the repatriation exercise began.
Minister Ncube, who was accompanied by members of the Joint Operations Command, welcomed the returnees and said the Government had moved swiftly to prepare for their return after learning of their situation in South Africa.

“Welcome home, fellow Zimbabweans, siyalamukela ekhaya. I want to assure you that after it was reported what you were going through in South Africa and that you were to come home, we met with President Mnangagwa as Bulawayo leadership to discuss what we could do for our returning people,” she said.

Minister Ncube said the Government recognised that while some of the returnees had been formally employed in South Africa and would wish to remain economically active, others would require assistance to acquire skills and livelihoods.

“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 also commended the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) in Bulawayo for coordinating the temporary accommodation and welfare of the returnees at UCCSA before they proceed to their respective destinations.

“This programme came to life because of our churches in Bulawayo. It’s not just one church but all our churches, and for that we really want to appreciate them,” she said.

Meanwhile, Zimbabweans continue to heed President Mnangagwa’s call for citizens returning from South Africa to be welcomed and assisted, with individuals, churches, companies and community organisations donating food, clothing, educational materials and other essentials.

Yesterday, Bulawayo South legislator and Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi, donated assorted groceries, including 300kg of mealie meal, 100kg of rice, vegetables, cooking oil, salt and 20,000 litres of drinking water to support the returnees.

Speaking after handing over the donation, Cde Modi said it was every Zimbabwean’s responsibility to assist fellow citizens during difficult times.

“These are our brothers and sisters who have come back home. As Zimbabweans, we have a duty to stand with them and ensure they have food and other necessities as they rebuild their lives,” he said.

“I encourage the corporate world, churches and individuals to continue supporting this noble initiative because together we can make a meaningful difference.”

Former Highlanders Football Club chief executive officer Nhlanhla Bahlangene Dube, together with his friends, donated 260kgs of mealie meal, exercise books and pens, while the Magolide Foundation contributed 260 bags of 10kg mealie meal.

Government, working together with churches, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders, continues to facilitate the safe return and reintegration of Zimbabweans arriving from South Africa, with returnees receiving temporary accommodation, meals, counselling and other essential support before travelling to their respective destinations across the country.