Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT has put in place comprehensive measures for the seamless, safe, orderly and dignified reintegration of all Zimbabweans returning from South Africa and the rest of the Diaspora, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his address at the burial of Major General (Retired) Everisto Dzihwema, the President said all returning Zimbabweans will be received with open arms.
“Our hands, therefore, are outstretched to receive all those coming back home. You are welcome. Tinokugamuchirai. Siyalamukela. Welcome home,” he said.
President Mnangagwa encouraged returnees to take part in Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to build, modernise, industrialise and develop the country, pursuant to the attainment of Vision 2030.
“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo. Under the Second Republic, we are ‘leaving no one and no place behind ‘.”
“I want to assure all our people returning from the Diaspora that our Zanu PF-led Government has put in place comprehensive plans for the seamless, safe, orderly and dignified re-integration,” he said.
Going forward, President Mnangagwa appealed to all communities, including traditional leaders, churches and families, to play their part towards the successful reintegration arrangements, as outlined in various circulars from Zanu PF and Government.
“Meanwhile, I invite the private sector and well-wishers to donate and partner with Government to accelerate the repatriation of many more of our people back home,” he said.
The President commended community members along the transit route, including in Matabeleland South and Masvingo Provinces, for demonstrating acts of kindness towards those going back to their countries of origin, including Malawi.
He said the conduct aligned with the warm and hospitable character traits Zimbabweans were known for.
“Well done, tinozvitenda, siyabonga,” said President Mnangagwa.
As of last Thursday, the Government had facilitated the repatriation of 11 065 Zimbabweans, with a further 47 703 citizens returning home through self-repatriation efforts, bringing the cumulative total of returnees to 58 768.
Of the 11 065 who have been repatriated, 2 449 are male adults, while 3 661 are female adults. There are also 2 407 male minors, 2 540 female minors and eight unaccompanied minors.
President Mnangagwa then challenged Zimbabweans to continue raising the banner of unity, peace and development.
“The focus remains on delivering transformative results towards improving the quality of life of our people.
“I urge the nation, in particular the young generation, to take a leaf from the exemplary life of the late National Hero Major General (Rtd) Dzihwema, who distinguished himself through unparalleled discipline, sacrifice, hard work and a fierce commitment to the ethos of the liberation struggle.
“His rise through the ranks in the Defence Forces and Civil Service was due to his profound commitment to duty and unwavering love for this nation,” he said.
The President said the late national hero possessed rare and strong leadership qualities that were underpinned by humility and a compassionate heart that earned him respect from all those who worked with him.
“To the late national hero, Major General (Rtd) Everisto Dzihwema, I say: the nation cherishes your lifetime sacrifice and achievements in service to the people.
“You bequeath to us, who are left behind, the important values of professional conduct that is based on patriotism, loyalty, honesty, integrity, humility, hard-honest work and exemplary leadership. Your deeds of merit and outstanding life of service will remain immortalised in our national memory,” he said.
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Also in attendance were Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and his wife Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Defence Minister and Zanu PF national chairman Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, Senior Zanu PF members and service chiefs, among others.
