Needy Zimbabwean expatriates in South Africa are set to get humanitarian assistance during neighbouring South Africa’s COVID-19 national lockdown, which has since been extended to the end of April.
The Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa is reportedly collaborating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on support for Zimbabweans resident in that country.
Spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Community in South Africa, Bongani Mkwananzi, told CITE, they have been informed by the Zimbabwean Embassy that the UNHCR has since requested the former to submit names of Zimbabweans in need.
“In liaison with the Embassy, the UNHCR, has requested the Embassy to submit a list of Zimbabweans who are in need of assistance,” said Mkwananzi.
“If you genuinely need assistance and have a valid Z.E.P (Zimbabwe Exemption Permit) Asylum seeker document or Refugee status document, please join our Telegram group and submit these details so we can forward to the Embassy.”
Mkwananzi said the Embassy was also working on addressing the plight of those Zimbabweans who want to come back home.
“The Embassy has advised us that they are concluding processes and consultations around the issue of those Zimbabweans requesting repatriation and that will also be put in official channels on authentic letterheads,” he said.
He went on to urge organisations wishing to come to the assistance of Zimbabweans, to come forward and do so.
“The Zimbabwe Community in South Africa calls upon the churches, community organisations, NGOs and business community to assist those in need,” he said.
“We recommend that all the organisations wishing to assist come together and operate from one umbrella to dispel confusion among our compatriots as well as cause situations that compromise the lock-down measures by asking people to go and queue or register at unverified and potentially unsafe locations.”
He added that they would release details on distribution and keep updating the community on the efforts to get assistance while emphasizing, they were requesting everyone to stay home.
In need assistance l have ZEP permit.like have not been working since a week before lockdown
Good morning ,How do i join the telegram link
Good day my name is kawu kaurai based In port elizabeth I was working in hospitality industry for ten years all the company I have worked they always deduct uif now to my concern realise that am not registered I have all my document work permit and valid passport but my worry now is passport is about to expire, I don’t hev help m my p employer abbondoned us pliz help me h told us that he doesn’t have money to pay so if it’s possible I wanna go home before my passport expire even now the landlord told me to move out , where must I go for all ten years in South Africa
Where do illegal Zimbabweans get aid? They are starving to death. Children go to bed crying from hunger . I have done what I can to assist but my resources are finished and the need is overwhelming.