Zimbo Effect in the Diaspora

For the past few years, several Zimbabweans have been deported from the United Kingdom, Canada, USA and other so called first world countries after failing to get asylum permits.

The illegal immigrants however, continue to resist deportation claiming that they face imminent arrest and death upon their return.

According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, nine out of 10 Zimbabwean asylum claims lodged worldwide, were made in South Africa in 2009, the destination of choice for many of Africa's migrants.

The Asylum and Immigration Tribunal boards in these countries have now found that there is no general risk on return for failed asylum-seekers. The reports quoted support groups for asylum-seekers saying the change of policy follows courts' ruling paved the way for mass deportations.

Some Zimbabwean nationals are coming out of their closets stating their fears of being persecuted back home because they are homosexuals. Why does it take a letter from the immigration stating one's failed application to get one out of the closet?

In North America, UK and Australia scores of Zimbos are getting pregnant and filling for aid so that they can stay in the host country. UK, Canada and USA have the  MDC and Liberty Party members who are afraid of the Zanu PF machine.

A large Zimbabwean contingent in Montreal, Canada has held some demonstrations which puzzled the locals (French Quebecois) Zimbos are beginning to sell each other out to the Immigration and Refugee Board in Canada & UK.

As a Zimbo, I have to say that it is a disgrace to see my brothers and sisters selling themselves cheap for a permanent resident card.

I am proud of the little I have and as I go through school. When I got here I was told that there were a number of Zimbos in the greater Toronto area where my school is located.

I have visited some of my fellow country buddies in Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Edmonton, London (UK) & some parts of USA. It's a shame to see that the Shona and Ndebele lines are still as strong as in the earlier times.

Some people are paying spouses to marry them and enter into contracts for a number of years and divorce later. Some Zimbo girls opt for pregnancy so that they can claim social assistance as they raise the child and seek residence through the child's identity.

There are lot of gay Zimbos (Shona and Ndebele) in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton and Vancouver. No matter what happens I won't sell myself short like this.

As Zimbos we should be proud of our roots. We are known for faithfulness, intelligence and also as a hardworking innovative group of people.The chronicles of the Zim Diaspora in Canada, UK & USA, "ijambanja mwana wamudhara".

Sisters putting your children through fatherless homes for the sake of your residence cards and brothers claiming to be homosexuals as well.

I am going home for Christmas and will be back in January. I am working on shooting a documentary based on these stories. Why do we let agents of cultural erosion take hold of the best of us?

Worried & puzzled Zimbo

Munya Tongai Zengeza
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