Zimbabwe to provide counselling for its nationals returning from SA 

A number of Zimbabweans are due to return from South Africa after the SA government decided not to extend the validity of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs). 

Surging inflation, failing infrastructure, frequent electricity and water shortages, and falling standards of living are part of life in South Africa. 

South Africa has its own social and economic woes with high unemployment and growing discontent with the government’s inability to improve the lives of its people but for many Zimbabweans who will be returning to their country after their ZEPs expire in June this year, living conditions might be worse than in South Africa.

COUNSELLING FOR RETURNEES

Reports paint a bleak picture for returnees to Zimbabwe. The country’s economy is in tatters, with food shortages, surging inflation, rising levels of poverty and high joblessness figures.

It was revealed at a government counselling and psychological workshop held in  Bulawayo, that Zimbabwe’s government plans to offer counselling for its nationals who return from SA.   

In a speech presented at the workshop, social welfare permanent secretary Simon Masanga said, “Sharpening our counselling skills is a way in which these committees (receiving the returnees) can be incapacitated,” as stated in News24.

PREPARING ZIMBABWEANS

The Zimbabwean government says it will be offering counselling to its people who return to that country from South Africa after the expiry of their Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs).

Zimbabweans who return to Zimbabwe will have access to counselling services to prepare them for the task ahead of them. This is aimed at assisting them with reintegration into life in that country.

ZIMBABWEANS IN SOUTH AFRICA

It is estimated that 180 000 Zimbabweans are based in South Africa on special exemption permits.  These permits were due to expire in December 2022 but an extension has been granted until 30 June.  

According to News24, fewer than 10% of these permit holders had applied for ordinary work visas in South Africa by December last year.         

Many permit holders hope that the Zimbabwean government will negotiate another extension of the programme with SA. However, this has not yet occurred.  

LOW NUMBERS OF RETURNEES TO ZIMBABWE

The Zimbabwe government has been conducting research to determine how many of its nationals (based in South Africa) would be interested in assistance with their return to the landlocked country located in southern Africa. 

The response from permit holders in South Africa “was way below our expectations,” Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa told media in Zimbabwe.

OPTIONS FOR ZIMBABWEANS

Many Zimbabweans do not want to return home because of the deteriorating economy and the political situation in their country. Several say they will be looking to work in the United Kingdom and other countries.

Teaching in the UK is an option for some. The UK has included Zimbabwe in the list of countries from which it will source school teachers to fill vacancies in state-run schools.