Source: Government activates emergency response as Zimbabweans return from South Africa -Newsday Zimbabwe
BULAWAYO, Jul. 13 (NewsDay Live) – The government has activated a multi-agency emergency response to assist thousands of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa following anti-migrant protests and xenophobic violence.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube said reception centres had been established to provide returning citizens with civil registration, healthcare and other essential services as authorities manage the growing influx.
Speaking at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa’s Njube Assembly in Bulawayo, where returnees are being received, Ncube said officials from several government departments had been deployed to support those arriving from South Africa.
“Upon arrival, the civil registration desk collects their details for birth certificate and national identity registration. We have several departments here assisting returnees with critical issues,” she said.
Ncube said many returnees had crossed the border without identity documents or other personal belongings after fleeing the unrest, prompting the Civil Registry Department to expedite the processing of national identity cards and birth certificates.
She added that health workers, local government officials and other state agencies were also providing medical assessments, psychosocial support and other emergency services.
The reception programme comes as increasing numbers of Zimbabweans return home after anti-migrant protests spread across parts of South Africa, forcing many foreign nationals to leave their homes and workplaces.
While concerns have been raised about the pressure the influx could place on local resources, Ncube said the government remained committed to assisting all returning Zimbabwean citizens.
Civic organisations in Bulawayo have meanwhile called on authorities to complement the emergency response with longer-term reintegration programmes, including employment support, skills development and social protection measures, as more returnees continue to arrive.
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