My heart was breaking last week in Johannesburg as we watched the forced evacuation of Zimbabweans who had fled to South Africa just to keep from starvation and victimisation in Zimbabwe. In South Africa the entire country relies on Zimbabweans to keep the infrastructure operating. They were the smiling, happy men at the fuel stations, the excellent waiters at the restaurants, the folk in the shops offering happiness and professionalism together.
'But now thousands of Zimbabweans are flocking back home following xenophobic threats and attacks by some South African citizens. The Government of Zimbabwe has made public promises to support returnees as you reintegrate into society. We welcome you home, and we understand the pain and uncertainty that comes with leaving everything behind.
However, the truth is that our government does not have the capacity to assist. We already face serious, long-standing challenges that have gone unresolved for years, such as shortages of medicine in hospitals and other basic services. The same government that is promising you help cannot even pay adequate salaries to its own employees. It cannot provide employment, because thousands of skilled and unskilled young people here are already unemployed. The majority of young school leavers and university graduates are in the informal sector trying to make ends meet. It also cannot provide startup capital for businesses, because many graduates who have been here for years have failed to get that same support. This talk of assistance is, unfortunately, mere politicking.
So as returnees, please understand this: you are largely on your own. Start planning now. Come up with your own initiatives for how you will build your new life in Zimbabwe. Rely on community, family, and your own skills and resilience. We must be honest with each other so you are not left waiting for help that will not come. Welcome home, and let us support each other where the state cannot.'
Miracle Missions has collection points where we can donate goods and clothing for our Countrymen.
Jabula New Life Covenant Church 138 Fife Street Between 14th and 15th Ave and New Creation The Oasis 19 Falcon Street.
Lets stand together and show the Love Of Home.
Zimbabweans caring for Zimbabweans arriving home from South Africa.
Miracle Missions has collection points where we can donate goods and clothing for our Countrymen.
Jabula New Life Covenant Church 138 Fife Street Between 14th and 15th Ave and New Creation The Oasis 19 Falcon Street.
Lets stand together and show the Love Of Home.