Govt To Engage SA Over Unpaid Benefits For Zimbabwean Returnees

The government has said it will engage South African authorities over unpaid benefits and pensions for Zimbabwean returnees being repatriated under the ongoing exercise.

Addressing journalists at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, 28 July, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda said bilateral channels will be used to resolve the issue of unpaid benefits for returnees, most of whom left hurriedly following attacks targeting foreigners in that country.

“Cabinet noted with concern the loss of employment benefits, pensions, and unpaid dues for the returnees, which matter will be pursued through bilateral arrangements,” said Soda.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said Government will take up the issue diplomatically to help the returnees, with a particular focus on those who were legally resident in that country.

“This is a bilateral arrangement between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Not every returnee was staying in South Africa illegally; they have told us that when they left, they were not yet paid their salaries and there is also the issue of benefits and pension which we will pursue,” said Garwe.

Giving an update on the returnees, Soda said the repatriation and reintegration of Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa is continuing, with 36,940 people repatriated through Government arrangements and 79,730 self-repatriating, bringing the total to over 115,000.

He said an additional 870 self-repatriations were recorded through Botswana entry points.

Soda said 38,057 returnees have been registered through the Skills Registration Process, with some local companies having shown interest in using the database for their recruitment needs.

He said 512 bus trips have been undertaken from the Beitbridge Reception Centre to various destinations across the country, while more trucks are being mobilised to transport household goods and business equipment.

Treasury has since released an additional US$2 million for coordination of the repatriation exercise, bringing total disbursements to US$3.4 million, Soda said.

He added that United Nations agencies have mobilised about US$564,000, while the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has provided US$264,000 for hygiene promotion and transport support.

Related:

Govt Repatriates 3,624 Zimbabweans From SA, Offers Duty-Free Deal For Returnees 78,000 Zimbabweans Return From South Africa Since May