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The Herald
An estimated 3,460 Zimbabweans living in South Africa are in need of food assistance, while 2,191 are requesting repatriation to their homes.
These figures were revealed by the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa in its latest update on how Zimbabweans are doing in the country in this Covid-19 pandemic.
In the update, the embassy says more numbers are expected.
“As of April 19, 2020, 839 people had registered for assisted repatriation back to Zimbabwe, while 2,249 people expressed a desire to receive food packages,” the embassy said.
“As of April 30, 2020, 1,352 and 1,391 additional people had requested repatriation and food packages, respectively. This brings the total number of people needing assistance to 5,831 “.
The embassy said it seized on the plight of those who approached and are taking steps to appeal.
“The embassy and two consulates are currently committing the Government of South Africa to obtain the necessary authorizations and authorizations to carry out the repatriation process in accordance with the country’s closure regulations,” he said.
Some restless Zimbabweans have been constantly pressuring authorities for a quick response, something the embassy said was difficult to guarantee given the protocols.
“Consultations are ongoing regarding logistical arrangements for assisted repatriation, including funds, reception and quarantine facilities when crossing into Zimbabwe,” the embassy said.
“While it is normal for people to expect a quick completion of the process, this has not been possible due to broad-based consultations and careful considerations taken at each stage of the planning process.”
Zimbabwe is already making plans to accommodate citizens whose return is imminent.
Those who return will be screened at the Beitbridge border post before being transported to quarantine centers across the country.
Initially, the Government had planned to keep them in Beitbridge at various proposed centers, but changes were made this week after consultations with stakeholders.
The NSSA Hotel, which is being used as a quarantine and isolation center for Beitbridge, has a capacity of only 400 people, while the two internees, Zezani and Tongwe, who set out to bring the other immigrants, can house 250 and 280 each one.
Beitbridge District Medical Officer Dr. Lenos Samhere recently said: “Returnees coming from South Africa will now be examined and documented in Beitbridge before being escorted to their provinces when they arrive.”
Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare Lovemore Matuke said the government was mobilizing resources to serve returnees from South Africa.
“The Treasury has allocated resources to care for people who come from other countries,” he said.
“As the number is increasing, we definitely need to increase the amount of resources to care for more returning people.
“We need food, toiletries and even money to pay bills like water and electricity at facilities where returnees will be staying.”
Deputy Minister Matuke said that accommodation would not be a problem since universities in Masvingo can be used to accommodate returnees. It revealed that the Government made arrangements with the South African authorities to allow even those without the necessary documents to pass through.
Zimbabwe has received citizens from around the world in recent weeks and placed them in quarantine centers across the country.
The first group to come from Botswana and was quarantined at Plumtree has already been released to their families after observation and testing.
Some have returned from countries such as Great Britain and the United States, countries that have been badly affected by Covid-19.
Some of those who come from these countries are part of the numbers that test positive for Covid-19.
