SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MASVINGO- Roman Catholic Diocese of Masvingo Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa has issued a pastoral directive appealing for parishes to provide humanitarian support to Zimbabwean nationals returning home after being displaced by xenophobic violence in South Africa.
In a statement, Bishop Mupa said the influx of returning Zimbabweans at the Beitbridge Border Post is a cause of concern, calling upon the public to provide assistance .
“I write to you with heavy yet hopeful heart following an urgent appeal from Beitbridge District Civil Protection Committee for humanitarian assistance.
“Recent Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have led to a growing influx of distressed Zimbabwean nationals entering the country through the Beitbridge Border Post.
“As church, we are called to be instruments of Christ compassion especially in moments of crisis. I therefore appeal to all parishes and individual faithful within the province to urgently mobilise and collect the following items.
– Pampers (all sizes)
– Dignity kits
– Food items especially relish such as beans, canned goods, cooking oil, etc.
– Blankets and other basic necessities that may assist vulnerable families,” he said.
–
He said all the collected items will be delivered to Caritas Masvingo for transportation to Beitbridge.
As of the government’s most recent figures, about 78 000 Zimbabweans have returned home since the exercise began, with some coming through government -assisted arrangements and the rest through self-repatriation.
Government efforts have centered on Beitbridge Reception Centre ,where an interminsterial committee coordinates registration, health, screening psychosocial support and award transport, with ZUPCO buses moving returnees to their home provinces
Private sector players ,church organisations ,NGOs ,development partners and individuals like Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei have complemented government efforts to repatriate returning Zimbabwean nationals.
