Source: Gwanda gets US$1,5m lithium rail siding to boost exports – herald
Mthabisi Tshuma, mthabisimthire@gmail.com
Gwanda South Member of Parliament Dr Omphile Marupi has called on communities to embrace Zimbabweans returning from South Africa and give them space to rebuild their lives, in line with President Mnangagwa’s directive that no returnee should be left behind.
In the past month, a Government-led repatriation and reintegration programme has assisted nearly 100 000 Zimbabweans returning home amid anti-migrant unrest and growing hostility towards foreigners in parts of South Africa.
Speaking during a community engagement, Dr Marupi who is also the Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services said local structures have a key role in ensuring a smooth return.
“Following the anti-migrant unrest, I am appealing to every returnee from Gwanda South to register their names with local and traditional leadership — chiefs, councillors, village heads and kraal heads — so that they can be assisted to access communal land for homesteads and farming,” he said.
“This is important because we know some homesteads were abandoned and those who remained may have used the space. Registering will help us avoid conflicts in communities and ensure everyone is accounted for.”
Dr Marupi said Government is rolling out some social protection and economic development safety nets from ward level to support returnees. The packages are being coordinated through councillors and traditional leaders working with line ministries.
“Once you register, you will be captured into the ward database. From there, you can be linked to food assistance, health services, agricultural inputs and other support programmes.
“The goal is to help returnees find their feet quickly,” he said.
He added that President Mnangagwa has directed that communities must welcome returnees and treat them with dignity.
“These are our brothers and sisters. They left to seek opportunities and are coming back under difficult circumstances. As a community we must open our doors and walk with them as they restart,” said Dr Marupi.
The MP also urged returnees with technical skills to take part in the Government’s skills audit and registration exercise underway at the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre. The exercise is being coordinated by the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development.
“Those with hands-on professions — builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, welders, fitters and turners — please keep your ear to the ground,” said Dr Marupi.
“We are working with stakeholders to ensure those eligible get trade testing opportunities. Your skills are needed for national development.”
He said data from the audit will help the Government match returnees to employment, vocational training and empowerment programmes, including the Women Development Fund and Community Development Fund.
At the Beitbridge Reception Centre, the Ministry of Women Affairs continues to provide psychosocial support, referrals and protection services, with a focus on women and children.
Over 2 200 returnees have so far received counselling, while hundreds have been referred to health and social welfare departments.
Government, working with UN agencies and partners, says the priority now is to move from emergency response to sustainable reintegration — with land, skills and livelihood support delivered through local leadership.
“Let us receive our people, register them, and give them opportunities to work and contribute,” said Dr Marupi.
“That is how we turn a difficult moment into a chance to rebuild families, wards and the nation.”
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