Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
ZIMBABWEAN and South African stakeholders are jointly hosting a four-day cultural exchange programme in Beitbridge to promote social cohesion and peace among the citizenry from the two countries.
The programme is also part of laying the groundwork ahead of the arrival of over 170 000 Zimbabweans living in South Africa under the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) who are due to return home in June when this facility expires.
The special permit was granted to Zimbabweans working, studying, and living in South Africa. A fair number have or are in the process of obtaining other work permits so they can stay, but a lot will have to leave.
In November 2021, the South African government indicated that they will not make further concessions for the ZEP holders, who were then given a grace period to migrate to other mainstream permits.
Government has pledged to help the citizens so that they can get home with their possessions and start-up here.
It is also envisaged that the cultural exchange programme will help minimise incidents of xenophobia-related attacks, mostly based on cultural prejudices.
“We are happy with the efforts and support from various stakeholders who are complementing what we are seeking to achieve as Government to ensure a seamless arrival and integration into local communities by our citizens based in South Africa,” said Beitbridge’s acting civil protection committee chairperson, Mr Jahson Mugodzwa.
“As you are aware a few days ago, we had a team from the United Nations resident coordinator to check on our state of preparedness to receive our fellow countrymen. Such culture exchange programmes are an important tool in warming the environment for them.”
So far, the local civil protection committee has identified a Government-run reception and support centre and the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) quarantine and support centre to accommodate returnees.
The two centres can accommodate up to 1 600 people at any given time.
The ongoing cultural exchange programme, which started on Monday ends tomorrow. The event is being jointly coordinated by the American Friends Service Committee, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) and Musina Legal Advice Office.
“Most people around Limpopo province and the southern part of Zimbabwe share common cultural rites. In essence, we are one community divided by colonial boundaries,” said South Africa’s head of delegation Mr Jacob Matakanye.
He said it is important for the two governments to bring together communities through culture, song and dance.
“We have to preserve our dignity as Africans, we are one people and we should continue on that trajectory.
This is important for Beitbridge and Musina people who share a lot in common including carrying the burden of the daily transit population,” said Mr Matakanye.
Mrs Nthabiseng Nkomo, who is a member of the American Friends Service Committee, said they brought together people from the Vhembe District in South Africa and those from Mwenezi and Beitbridge districts in Zimbabwe.
She said the people are affected by the transit migrant population hence it is critical that they infuse a spirit of peace, tolerance and promote social cohesion among the communities on the move.
Mrs Nkomo said most of the conflicts among migrants and the receiving communities are largely linked to misconceptions on the cultural side.
CCJP coordinator for Masvingo, Mr Simon Parwaringira said: “We need to promote cultural diversity, tolerance, social inclusion and social cohesion. So, we are having a number of activities that will see people from these selected communities knowing each other based on culture.” -@tupeyo
Online Reporter