Emakhandeni-Luveve Member of Parliament, Discent Bajila, has urged residents to welcome Zimbabweans returning from South Africa with compassion and understanding, underscoring the need for community support rather than judgment as many arrive home under challenging circumstances.
In a message addressed to constituents, Bajila acknowledged many returnees have experienced significant hardships, including the loss of essential personal documents such as national identity cards, birth certificates, passports and academic certificates.
He called on the community to assist them in restoring these vital records instead of stigmatizing their situations.
The appeal comes amid an increase in Zimbabweans returning from South Africa following changing economic conditions and immigration enforcement measures, placing renewed focus on the need for coordinated community and government support to ease their transition back home.
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“Some lost their IDs, birth certificates, academic certificates and passports while in South Africa. They need our help to restore them, not our judgement,” Bajila said.
The legislator also highlighted the health challenges facing some returnees, noting that individuals who left South Africa while undergoing treatment for chronic or sensitive medical conditions require continued access to healthcare.
“Give them a listening ear without judgement. Direct them to the nearest clinic for proper assistance,” said Bajila.
Bajila warned that failing to integrate returning residents into Zimbabwe’s healthcare system could undermine public health efforts, particularly in maintaining control over communicable diseases.
“Zimbabwe must stay on pandemic control and if we don’t integrate our returning residents into our treatment systems, the whole may relapse one community at a time,” he said.
Beyond healthcare, the MP stressed the economic value that returnees can bring to local communities.
“Some had established themselves as entrepreneurs in the 18- 24 hour economy of South Africa. Our local economy runs for 12-16 hours a day. We have an opportunity to integrate their experiences into our formal and informal trades. Let’s embrace them, learn and grow,” he said.
Bajila also appealed for tolerance regarding cultural, spiritual and family differences that returning residents may bring after spending years abroad.
According to Bajila, some may have adopted different religious practices or are returning with children whose upbringing reflects different social environments.
Rather than allowing such differences to create divisions, the MP encouraged constituents to respond with acceptance and love.
“Others may come with children you never knew about. The conduct of the children may not align with what is standard children behaviour in Zimbabwe. Love them anyways,” Bajila said.
The MP further invited residents to contribute ideas on how the Emakhandeni-Luveve Constituency can effectively support and integrate returning Zimbabweans, describing community participation as essential to successful reintegration.
Bajila’s remarks come on the heels of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appeal for families and communities to embrace returning Zimbabweans with compassion, love and solidarity.
The President said African values of unity and mutual support would be critical in making sure there is successful reintegration of citizens returning from the diaspora.
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