An estimated 3 460 Zimbabweans living in South Africa are
in need of food assistance, while 2 191 are requesting repatriation back home.
These figures were revealed by the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa in their
latest update on how Zimbabweans in the country are faring in this Covid-19
pandemic.
In the update, the embassy says more numbers are expected. “As
of April 19, 2020, 839 people had registered for assisted repatriation back to
Zimbabwe, while 2 249 people signalled their desire to receive food packs
instead,” said the embassy.
“As of April 30, 2020, an additional 1 352 and 1 391 people
had requested for repatriation and food parcels respectively. This brings the
total number of people in need of assistance to 5 831.”
The embassy said it was seized with the plight of those who
have reached out and are taking measures to provide recourse.
“The embassy and two consulates are currently engaging the
South African Government to obtain the necessary clearances and authorisation
to undertake the repatriation process in compliance with the lockdown
regulations of the country,” it said.
Some restive Zimbabweans have been constantly pressuring
authorities for a quick response, something the embassy said was difficult to
guarantee in the face of protocols.
“Consultations are underway with regards to the logistical
arrangements for the assisted repatriation, including funding, reception and
quarantine facilities upon crossing into Zimbabwe,” said embassy.
“While it is normal for people to have expected quick
finalisation of the process, this has not been possible due to broad-based
consultations and careful considerations being taken at every stage of the
planning process.”
Zimbabwe is already making plans to accommodate citizens
whose return is imminent.
Those who return will be screened at Beitbridge Border Post
before being transported to quarantine centres across the country.
Initially, Government had planned to keep them in
Beitbridge at various proposed centres, but changes were made this week
following stakeholder consultations.
NSSA Hotel, which is being used as a quarantine and
isolation centre for Beitbridge can accommodate only 400 people, while the two
boarding schools, Zezani and Tongwe, which had been proposed to take the other
immigrants can accommodate 250 and 280 each.
Beitbridge district medical officer, Dr Lenos Samhere
recently said: “The returnees coming from South Africa will now be screened and
documented in Beitbridge before being escorted to their provinces as they
come.”
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister
Lovemore Matuke said Government was mobilising resources to cater for the
returnees from South Africa.
“Treasury has allocated resources to look after those
people who are coming from other countries,” he said.
“Since the number is increasing we definitely need to
increase the amount of resources to look after a more returnees.
“We need food, toiletries and even money to pay for bills
such as water and electricity at the facilities where the returnees will be
housed.”
Deputy Minister Matuke said accommodation would not be a
problem since colleges in Masvingo can be used to house returnees. He revealed
that Government made arrangements with South African authorities to allow even
those without the requisite papers to pass through.
Zimbabwe has over the past few weeks been receiving
citizens from all over the world and placing them in quarantine centres across
the country.
The first group that came from Botswana and were
quarantined in Plumtree has already been released to their families after
observation as well as testing.
Some have been coming back from countries like Britain and
the United States, countries that have been hard hit by Covid-19.
Some of those coming from these countries are part of the
numbers testing positive to Covid-19. Herald
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