THE Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has called for urgent humanitarian support for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, after witnessing scores of migrants — including women, children and the elderly — stranded while waiting for transport home at the Zimbabwean Consulate in Johannesburg.
The appeal comes as Zimbabwe grapples with a surge in returns linked to anti-immigrant tensions, xenophobic attacks and immigration enforcement in South Africa, piling pressure on government and aid organisations to provide food, transport, shelter and reintegration support for vulnerable returnees.
In a statement, MRP president Mqondisi Moyo said party officials recently visited the Zimbabwean Consulate near Eastgate Mall in Johannesburg to assess conditions and deliver humanitarian assistance.
“We express solidarity with Zimbabwean nationals affected by the current circumstances and delivered a donation to assist those requiring immediate humanitarian support,” Moyo said.
He said party members found large crowds of Zimbabweans gathered outside the consulate; many had spent several days waiting for buses to return home.
“The presence of young children, elderly people and vulnerable individuals waiting in uncertain conditions was particularly moving,” Moyo said.
“The situation highlighted the emotional, physical and financial difficulties that many migrants are experiencing during periods of uncertainty.”
He said humanitarian assistance should transcend political affiliation, ethnicity and social background, urging communities to respond with compassion.
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“As an organisation that values human dignity and community solidarity, we believe moments such as these require unity, kindness and practical support. Acts of generosity, no matter how small, can bring hope to families experiencing uncertainty,” he said.
The party donated food and other essentials during the visit, and appealed to churches, businesses, humanitarian organisations and members of the public to contribute food, clothing and other basic necessities to returning families.
“This is a time for compassion rather than division,” Moyo said.
“Let us remain bound by our shared humanity. We remain committed to promoting compassion and peace.”
Meanwhile, Bulawayo United Residents Association chairperson Winos Dube urged the government to help returnees rebuild their livelihoods by providing access to land and income-generating opportunities.
“Systems should be put in place so that returnees can use available land and infrastructure productively,” Dube said.
He said Zimbabwe has sufficient resources to support returnees in establishing businesses and contributing to the country's development, instead of forcing them to seek low-paying jobs abroad.
