By Thembelihle Mhlanga
For years, returnees in Zimbili Village, Ward 19, Umzingwane, who came back from neighbouring countries such as South Africa in 2019, struggled to make ends meet. Unemployment and poverty had become deeply entrenched, leaving many feeling hopeless.
However, an empowerment programme initiated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has brought a much-needed lifeline to the community.
According to Councillor Pilate Sibanda, the programme has been transformative.
โWeโve seen many of our residents gain new skills and start their own businesses, which has had a positive impact on our local economy,โ he said.
One of the programmeโs beneficiaries is Smilo Tshoro, a 35-year-old mother of three.
She returned to Zimbabwe from South Africa in 2019 after experiencing xenophobia and violence.
Her husband had also lost his job, leaving them in financial distress. Through the IOM initiative, she received training and resources to start a poultry project.
โThe programme has been a lifesaver for me and my family,โ Tshoro said.
โI can now provide for my children and even employ other community members to help me with my project.โ
Similarly, Zanele Ncube, also known as NaCynthia, returned to Zimbabwe in 2020 under similar circumstances.
Thanks to the empowerment programme, she has successfully launched her own small business.
Another beneficiary, Cowboy Moyo, a 42-year-old father of two, returned in 2017. With the training and resources provided by IOM, he has established a small-scale farming project.
โEmpowerment is not just about receiving aid; itโs about being given the tools to build a better future for ourselves and our families,โ Moyo said.
The IOM empowerment programme, launched in December last year, has already made a significant impact in Zimbili Village.
However, many returnees still require support to rebuild their lives.
Councillor Sibanda is calling on donors and stakeholders to continue funding the programme, ensuring that all returnees in the community have access to the resources they need to thrive.IOM is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities. Through empowerment initiatives, training, and resource provision, it aims to promote economic growth, social cohesion, and community development.
This story was produced as part of the CITE Youth Network training program, which aims to empower young women in rural communities with digital skills, enhancing their ability to create and share community news.
