SA returnees overwhelm Bulawayo church

The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in Bulawayo's Njube suburb has become a key refuge for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, with about 900 people arriving at the church over the past 10 days after anti-foreigner protests forced many to flee.

The church, working with government and other religious organisations, has been providing temporary shelter, food and assistance to returnees, although leaders say resources are rapidly being exhausted.

Speaking on behalf of Bulawayo churches, Bishop Lazarus Khanyi said the UCCSA centre was working closely with Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube and government institutions to help returning Zimbabweans reintegrate.

"We stood as the churches of Bulawayo and said let's softland our children," Khanyi said.

"From the past 10 days about 900 people have come to this centre. Two to three buses arrive here every day."

Many of those arriving have recounted traumatic experiences of intimidation, violence and displacement during the recent anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.

Khanyi said some returnees had lived in South Africa for as long as 20 years and returned only to discover that family homes had been sold or that they no longer had relatives to receive them in Zimbabwe.

Others described how criminal elements allegedly targeted foreign nationals.

"They look at your complexion. Because they're tenants to South Africans, the South African people would call the Dudula people to come because they would be eyeing the foreigners' properties.

"They loot their properties even at gunpoint. Others took what they could," he said.

The journey back to Zimbabwe has also been difficult, with some returnees spending up to five days travelling to the Beitbridge border while attempting to avoid harassment.

Khanyi said congestion at the border and a shortage of onward transport had created new challenges for those arriving in Bulawayo.

"The border is full. We have a problem with cash. The buses that take them from South Africa only bring them to this church, and those that can take them any further are few," he said.

"That is where we have a problem of cash. Only if we had a float of cash so that we can pay for them as they are going to their respective homes."

Food shortages have also become a concern, particularly for people travelling to distant parts of the country.

"A person who will be going to Binga needs food to facilitate the hunger all the way.

"We don't have a donor but the churches are donating; they have taken the priority," Khanyi said.

While district administrators are assisting by collecting returnees from the church, transport costs and food assistance remain the most pressing needs.

Despite the hardships they have endured, Khanyi said many returnees expressed relief at finally reaching home.

"What I like when they come here is their acceptance. You could see they are happy," he said.

Support has come from several individuals and organisations.

Bulawayo South legislator Raj Modi donated a water bowser and installed WiFi at the centre to enable returnees to communicate with relatives, while members of the public have contributed food, clothing and blankets.

Government is coordinating with district administrators to facilitate the movement of returnees to their home districts, but church leaders say additional financial and humanitarian support is urgently needed to help families reach their final destinations and rebuild their lives.