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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau

Zimbabwean and South African stakeholders are jointly hosting a four days’ cultural exchange programme in Beitbridge to enhance social cohesion and promote peace among the citizen of both countries.

The programme is being held to prepare the ground for the arrival in Musina and Beitbridge towns of over 170 000 Zimbabweans based in South Africa on the special permit (ZEP).

In November 2021, the South African Cabinet indicated that they will not make further concessions for the ZEP holders, who were then given a grace period to migrate to other mainstream permits or if their applications were unsuccessful to have time to pack-up in an orderly function and go home.

They have until the end of June this year to get documented after which some will have to return home. Zimbabwe has been putting measures in place to facilitate a smooth return of the affected Zimbabweans.

Among other things, the returnees will enjoy a free import rebate including the shipping on of one vehicle which they will be owning on the date of arrival in Zimbabwe.

A number of State actors are also working on several interventions to ensure a safe passage for those based in South Africa.

It is also envisaged cultural exchange programme will help minimise cases of migrants visiting both countries from targets of xenophobia-related attacks, that is based mostly on cultural prejudices.

“We are happy with the efforts and support from the various stakeholders who are complementing what we are seeking to achieve as a government in ensuring a seamless arrival and integration into local communities by our citizens based in South Africa,” said Beitbridge’s acting Civil Protection Committee chairman, Mr Jahson Mugodzwa.

“As you are aware a few days ago, we had a team from the United Nations resident coordinator to check on our state of preparedness to receive our fellow countrymen. Such culture exchange programmes are an important tool in warming the environment for them.”

So far the local civil protection committed has identified the Government run reception and support centre and the National Social Security Quarantine and Support centre to house those who would need accommodation upon getting to Beitbridge.

The two centres have a combined carrying capacity of 1 600 people including adults and minors.

The ongoing culture exchange programme that began on Monday will end on Thursday and is being jointly coordinated by the American Friends Service Committee, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace and Musina Legal Advice Office.

“You will note that for most people around Limpopo Province and southern Zimbabwe we share some cultural rites. In essence, we are one community divided by a colonial boundary and this boundary should not set us apart,” said South Africa’s head of delegation Mr Jacob Matakanye.

He said it was important for them to bring together communities through culture, dance, song as a peace building vehicle.

Mr Matakanye said there are a lot of productive events for Zimbabweans and South Africans working together under a shared culture and vision.

“We have to preserve our dignity as Africans. We are one nation and we should continue on that peace building paths. 

“This is important for Beitbridge and Musina people who share a lot in common including carrying the burden of the daily transit population,” he added.

American Friends Service Committee, Mr Nthabiseng Nkomo said they had brought together people from the Vhembe District in South Africa and those from Mwenezi and Beitbridge districts in Zimbabwe.

These were affected by the transit migrant population and hence it was key that they infuse a spirit of peace, tolerance and promote social cohesion among the communities on the move.

Mrs Nkomo most of the conflicts among migrants and the receiving communities had largely been linked to misconceptions on the cultural side.

CCJP Co-ordinator for Masvingo, Mr Simon Parwaringira said: “We need to promote cultural diversity, tolerance, social inclusion and social cohesion. So, we are having a number of activities that will see people from these selected communities knowing each other based on culture.”