Story by Lisa-Masuku Kurira
MORE than 500 Zimbabweans who voluntarily returned from South Africa were received in Bulawayo on Wednesday, as Government and its partners stepped up efforts to ensure the returnees are accommodated, cared for and reunited with their families.
The latest arrivals, comprising breadwinners, children and the elderly, are part of the ongoing national repatriation programme aimed at assisting Zimbabweans who have chosen to return home amid the volatile situation in South Africa.
Many arrived with little more than the clothes they were wearing, having abandoned their belongings in a desperate bid to escape the unrest. Yet despite their losses, relief and gratitude overshadowed the hardship of starting afresh.
“We are happy to be back home alive. We really thought we were not going to make it back home because the situation was very bad in South Africa,” said one returnee.
Another returning citizen said leaving everything behind had been the only option.
“We left everything because we feared for our lives. We thank God and the Government for bringing us back safely. Home is home. We will start over again.”
The returnees are being accommodated at a local church, which has been converted into a temporary reception centre as they await transport to their respective homes.
Coordinator of the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations, Bishop Mpande Khanye, said the church was working closely with Government to support the repatriation programme.
“We have turned the church into a reception centre as part of efforts to support the Government in the repatriation of our Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa.”
The humanitarian response has also drawn support from volunteers, companies and charitable organisations, who are donating food and other essentials to assist the returning citizens.
Magolide Foundation representative Ms Sazini Tshuma said the donation was meant to provide immediate relief.
“We decided to donate foodstuffs so that our brothers and sisters can have food while arrangements are made to take them to their respective destinations.”
Fortwell Sales and Marketing Representative Mr Prince Guka said communities should embrace the returnees during their transition.
“We decided to partner NGOs and donate mealie-meal because this is a difficult time for our brothers and sisters coming from South Africa. Let us continue to welcome and embrace them so that they can feel our love and support.”
Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Judith Ncube, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring every Zimbabwean wishing to return home does so safely and with dignity.
“The Government’s position is clear. Every Zimbabwean matters, and we will continue to bring our people back and ensure they are received with love and dignity.”
For the hundreds who crossed the border with little to their names, the journey home marks not only the end of uncertainty, but the beginning of rebuilding their lives with the support of family, community and the nation.
