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Tungwarara donates 50 buses to repatriate stranded Manicaland citizens
4 hrs ago |
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa's special adviser, Paul Tungwarara, has announced a programme to transport Manicaland residents stranded at Beitbridge Border Post after returning from South Africa, deploying 50 buses to ferry them home free of charge.
The initiative was announced on Tuesday during a meeting with Zanu PF Central Committee members and the party's Manicaland District Coordinating Committee in Mutare.
Tungwarara said the programme would also provide free meals for returnees, many of whom were arriving at the border in difficult circumstances.
The transport operation will be undertaken by transport operator and Zanu PF Central Committee member Esau Mupfumi, who will provide the buses, while Tungwarara will finance the initiative.
According to Tungwarara, the repatriation exercise will be carried out in phases, with about 200 Manicaland residents already identified at Beitbridge Border Post.
He said beneficiaries would be required to produce national identity cards confirming they are residents of one of Manicaland Province's eight districts.
The programme is scheduled to begin immediately.
"We have Manicaland returnees stranded at the border," Tungwarara said.
"We met as leadership and resolved to deploy buses from the Women's League, Youth League and the main wing to rescue them and take them to their respective districts free of charge. We need to rescue our people because they are in danger of their lives."
"We have given Comrade Esau Mupfumi the green light to deploy up to 50 buses, starting Tuesday," he added.
Mupfumi confirmed that preparations were complete.
"As I speak, the buses are ready. We are arranging fuel logistics. Manicaland returnees should not worry—we are sending buses immediately. Some had already dispersed because they were unaware of this programme," he said.
He added that five additional buses would be deployed through the Young Women 4ED organisation to assist cross-border traders and other returning members.
Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairman Tawanda "Tsola" Mukodza welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for families awaiting the return of their relatives.
"This initiative demonstrates party unity and responsiveness and will restore hope to families awaiting their loved ones' return. These are our people, our children—they cannot be stranded at the border without dignity and support," Mukodza said.
The announcement comes as Zimbabwe records an increase in the number of nationals returning from South Africa following heightened anti-immigration tensions, with authorities and private organisations stepping up efforts to assist returnees with transport, temporary accommodation and reintegration support.
The initiative was announced on Tuesday during a meeting with Zanu PF Central Committee members and the party's Manicaland District Coordinating Committee in Mutare.
Tungwarara said the programme would also provide free meals for returnees, many of whom were arriving at the border in difficult circumstances.
The transport operation will be undertaken by transport operator and Zanu PF Central Committee member Esau Mupfumi, who will provide the buses, while Tungwarara will finance the initiative.
According to Tungwarara, the repatriation exercise will be carried out in phases, with about 200 Manicaland residents already identified at Beitbridge Border Post.
He said beneficiaries would be required to produce national identity cards confirming they are residents of one of Manicaland Province's eight districts.
The programme is scheduled to begin immediately.
"We have Manicaland returnees stranded at the border," Tungwarara said.
"We met as leadership and resolved to deploy buses from the Women's League, Youth League and the main wing to rescue them and take them to their respective districts free of charge. We need to rescue our people because they are in danger of their lives."
"We have given Comrade Esau Mupfumi the green light to deploy up to 50 buses, starting Tuesday," he added.
Mupfumi confirmed that preparations were complete.
"As I speak, the buses are ready. We are arranging fuel logistics. Manicaland returnees should not worry—we are sending buses immediately. Some had already dispersed because they were unaware of this programme," he said.
He added that five additional buses would be deployed through the Young Women 4ED organisation to assist cross-border traders and other returning members.
Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairman Tawanda "Tsola" Mukodza welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for families awaiting the return of their relatives.
"This initiative demonstrates party unity and responsiveness and will restore hope to families awaiting their loved ones' return. These are our people, our children—they cannot be stranded at the border without dignity and support," Mukodza said.
The announcement comes as Zimbabwe records an increase in the number of nationals returning from South Africa following heightened anti-immigration tensions, with authorities and private organisations stepping up efforts to assist returnees with transport, temporary accommodation and reintegration support.
Source - newsday
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