Princess Sibanda
Beitbridge– The Government has shifted its focus from simply receiving returning Zimbabweans to helping them rebuild their lives, with Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo calling for stronger reintegration programmes.
During a visit to the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre on Thursday, he urged government officials, humanitarian organisations and returnees, to now have the centre evolve from providing emergency assistance to becoming a launchpad for sustainable reintegration through skills development, employment opportunities and social protection.
“They are not statistics; they are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters whose courage deserves recognition and support,” he said. “We now need to look beyond reception.”
The visit came as Civil Protection representative Veronica Bare revealed that Government had facilitated the repatriation of 25,936 Zimbabweans, while 78,189 others had returned through self-repatriation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade also reported assisting 79,761 Malawians and 215 Zambians, recommending increased resources on both the South African and Zimbabwean sides of the border and follow-up outreach programmes in destination towns.
Beitbridge District Medical Officer Dr Lenos Samhere said health teams are attending to around 100 patients daily, with upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, diarrhoea and antiretroviral therapy needs among the most common cases. He said support from the district hospital and humanitarian partners had strengthened the response while measures are in place to manage infectious diseases and gender-based violence.
Officials also noted that streamlined border procedures and direct buses had reduced congestion, allowing returnees to be processed more efficiently through the command centre.
