Zimbabwe to pursue pensions, benefits for SA returnees

The Zimbabwean Government says it will engage South African authorities through bilateral channels to recover unpaid salaries, pensions and employment benefits owed to thousands of Zimbabweans who have returned home under the ongoing repatriation programme.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Cabinet had noted concerns over employment-related losses suffered by many returnees and would pursue the matter diplomatically.

"Cabinet noted with concern the loss of employment benefits, pensions and unpaid dues for the returnees, which matter will be pursued through bilateral arrangements," said Dr Soda.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the Government would work with South African authorities to ensure eligible returnees receive the benefits owed to them, noting that many had been legally employed in South Africa.

"This is a bilateral arrangement between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Not every returnee was staying in South Africa illegally. They have told us that when they left, they were not yet paid their salaries and there is also the issue of benefits and pensions which we will pursue," Garwe said.

The repatriation exercise has gathered momentum, with Government-assisted returns reaching 36,940, while 79,730 Zimbabweans have returned on their own, bringing the total number of returnees to more than 115,000.

Dr Soda said an additional 870 people had returned through Botswana entry points.

As part of efforts to reintegrate returnees into the economy, 38,057 people have registered under the Government's Skills Registration Programme, with several local companies already expressing interest in recruiting from the database.

Health services continue to be provided at the Beitbridge Reception Centre, where the clinic has treated 2,147 returnees, including 851 men, 1,296 women and 575 children under the age of 15. The most common ailments recorded are upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhoeal diseases and headaches.

To facilitate onward travel, Government has arranged 512 bus trips from the Beitbridge Reception Centre to various parts of the country, while additional trucks are being mobilised to transport household goods and business equipment.

Dr Soda said Treasury had released an additional US$2 million to support the repatriation programme, bringing total Government funding to US$3.4 million. The United Nations has contributed approximately US$564,000, while the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has provided US$264,000 towards hygiene promotion and transport assistance.

Government is also establishing a reception centre in Harare, in partnership with the Harare Metropolitan Province and other stakeholders, to accommodate returnees destined for the capital.

In a separate development, Cabinet approved the Municipal Police and Courts Bill, aimed at strengthening local governance and enhancing enforcement of municipal by-laws.

Dr Soda said the proposed legislation will provide a legal framework for local authorities to establish professional municipal police services responsible for community safety, by-law enforcement, traffic management and crime prevention.

The Bill also proposes the establishment of municipal courts with jurisdiction over municipal by-law offences, minor criminal matters and traffic violations, as well as provisions for the appointment of municipal magistrates.

Government says the legislation is intended to strengthen devolution, improve service delivery and enhance public safety and environmental management across local authorities.