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HOMEWARD-BOUND . . . Some of the displaced Zimbabweans prepare to leave Durban, South Africa,recently

Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge
Zimbabweans have paid tribute to the Government and embassy staff in South Africa for successfully helping in the repatriation of the 830 people who were displaced by xenophobia motivated attacks in that country.

Over 4 000 African immigrants were displaced in Durban following an onslaught by South African mobs.

Seven people were killed in the skirmishes, while 112 were arrested in connection with the violence.

With the assistance of Government, Zimbabweans who fled South Africa were documented and evacuated on Government hired buses to their respective homes.

The victims arrived in the country by road via Beitbridge Border Post.

Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland provinces had the highest number of victims who were repatriated.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Masvingo Senator Shuvai Mahofa said they were grateful to President Mugabe and the Government for the support offered to the affected citizens.

“We are very humbled and appreciate the efforts made by our Government in making a decision to provide food and transport to evacuate its citizens from South Africa,” she said.

“As provincial leaders, we have started facilitating a re-integration process for them through the assistance of various stakeholders, including traditional leaders.

“Those with life skills will be assisted in venturing into several income generating projects.”

Cde Mahofa extended her gratitude to the embassy staff in South Africa who played a pivotal role in documenting and managing transport logistics for the victims.

Matabeleland South Minister of State Cde Abednico Ncube commended officials at Beitbridge Border Post for ensuring a smooth passage for the victims during the repatriation process.

“We are very happy with the level of corporation which Zimbabweans and the Government showed at the time of greatest need,” he said .

“It is very important for people to be united in both good and bad times. We would want to urge those who were repatriated and others to consider exploring various economic empowerment opportunities in the country rather than risking their lives in other countries.”

Midlands’s Minister of State Cde Jason Machaya said the Government had shown the rest of the world that it cares for its citizens.

“I want to thank our Government and the embassy staff in South Africa for working tirelessly in providing food, shelter and facilitating the identification and documentation process,” he said.

“Our gratitude also goes to all those people, including President Mugabe who pressured South Africa to act on the attacks on immigrants.”

Zimbabwe’s Consul-General to South Africa Mr Batiraishe Mukonoweshuro commended the Government for making a decision to provide transport and food for the people being repatriated.

“As the consulate, we applaud the Government and President Mugabe for making a speedy intervention to assist Zimbabweans in South Africa,” he said. “The co-operation received from the Provincial Ministers of State and other Government line departments in Government during the repatriation process was pleasing.

Mr Mukonoweshuro said the situation had calmed down as South Africa had come up with a host of measures to quell the attacks.