Zimbabweans struggle to rebuild after fleeing xenophobia in South Africa
Summary
Many Zimbabweans who had moved to South Africa for better jobs and services are returning home after anti-immigrant protests and threats in South Africa. They face economic challenges in Zimbabwe, where jobs and government support are limited, but some are starting small businesses using skills learned abroad.Key Facts
- Samantha Chimbuya left Zimbabwe in 2019 for South Africa but returned due to anti-immigrant protests demanding undocumented migrants leave by June 30.
- The protests were not ordered by the South African government, which warned against violence, but thousands left out of fear.
- By late July, over 116,000 Zimbabweans had returned from South Africa; some with government help and others on their own.
- Returning migrants often find few jobs and limited social support in Zimbabwe.
- The Zimbabwean government is trying to help by identifying returnees’ skills, setting up reintegration centers, and encouraging companies to hire them.
- Some returnees, like Sidney Bunya, have used skills gained in South Africa to start small businesses after returning.
- Churches and local businesses are providing training in trades like welding, carpentry, and computer science to help returnees.
- Many returnees still struggle with basic needs like shelter, food, and employment during their transition home.
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