Story by Aifheli Mudau
ZIMBABWE and the United Nations have signed a resource mobilisation agreement aimed at strengthening support for Zimbabwean nationals returning from South Africa.
The agreement, signed in Beitbridge District on Thursday, is expected to improve coordination and mobilise resources to assist thousands of returnees processed through the Beitbridge Border Post.
The initiative builds on ongoing collaboration between the government and development partners to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Zimbabwean citizens.
United Nations Resident Coordinator for Zimbabwe Dr Rosemary Kalapurakal commended the government’s efforts to support returning nationals.
“Today’s visit is a direct reflection of our shared commitment to working together with urgency to ensure that support reaches people where and when it is needed most, leaving no one and no place behind. I want to applaud the Government of Zimbabwe for its efforts,” she said.
Minister of Local Government and Public Works Honourable Daniel Garwe said the government remains committed to ensuring returnees receive the assistance they need.
“Resources have been mobilised to hire more buses and other forms of transport in South Africa to facilitate the return of Zimbabweans. We have also put systems in place to identify those who are in need of assistance in different parts of that country and ensure they are brought back home through our Foreign Affairs and International Trade structures,” he said.
Following the signing ceremony, Minister Garwe and Dr Kalapurakal toured the Beitbridge Reception Centre, where they met stakeholders and interacted with returnees.
