Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
REGIONAL churches are working with Zimbabwean faith-based organisations to support citizens returning home from South Africa, complementing government efforts through humanitarian assistance and reintegration programmes.
Churches from across Southern Africa have donated food, blankets and other essential supplies to assist returnees at reception centres, helping ensure they are received with dignity.
President of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), Reverend Coenraad Williams, who is based in South Africa, visited the Bulawayo Reception Centre in Njube on Wednesday and called for greater regional cooperation in responding to the humanitarian situation.
“I want to acknowledge the great work that is being done here. This is a time for us to put our differences aside and work together in addressing this humanitarian crisis,” he said.
UCCSA General Secretary Reverend Kudzani Ndebele said the support being extended by churches reflects a shared commitment to assisting vulnerable communities.
“This is an important moment for us to unite as churches in supporting our children who have been through a lot,” he said.
Zimbabwe Christian Alliance Executive Director Reverend Useni Sibanda said the involvement of churches across the region embodies the spirit of Ubuntu while strengthening regional peacebuilding efforts.
“The fact that Southern African churches are coming to support us as a country reflects the spirit of Ubuntu, and it is important for peacebuilding,” he said.
Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Judith Ncube, commended churches and the business community for complementing government efforts and helping strengthen operations at the Njube Reception Centre.
“We are happy that everything is going so well here. Everything is in place to ensure a soft landing for our returnees. I want to thank the church and the business community for everything that you are doing to support our returnees,” she said.
The Government has so far assisted more than 100 000 Zimbabweans affected by the hostilities in South Africa to return home safely, with humanitarian organisations, churches and the private sector continuing to support the ongoing repatriation and reintegration programme.
From: Yvo
