Government to pursue pensions, benefits for South Africa returnees
Government will engage South African authorities over unpaid benefits and pensions for Zimbabwean returnees under the ongoing repatriation exercise.
Speaking to journalists at a post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said bilateral channels will be pursued to resolve the issue of unpaid benefits for returnees, most of whom left in a huff as some protest groups targeted 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 Dr Soda.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe weighed in, saying the Government will pursue the issue using diplomatic means to assist the returnees, particularly those who were lawfully residing 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 Minister Garwe.
Giving an update on the returnees, Dr Soda said the repatriation and re-integration of Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa continues with a total of 36 940 returnees having been repatriated through Government arrangements, while 79 730 have self-repatriated, bringing the total number of returnees to over 115 000.
“Additionally, a cumulative total of 870 self-repatriations was recorded through the Botswana entry points. A total of 38 057 returnees have registered through the Skills Registration Process, with some local companies expressing interest in utilising the skills data for their employment needs,” said Dr Soda.
He said the Beitbridge Reception Centre Clinic had attended to 2 147 returnees, comprising 851 males, 1 296 females and 575 children under the age of 15.
“The most common conditions treated are upper-respiratory tract infections, diarrhoeal diseases and headaches. On logistics, 512 bus trips have been undertaken from the Beitbridge Reception Centre to various destinations in the country. More trucks are being mobilised for the transportation of household goods and business equipment,” said Dr Soda.
“Treasury has since released an additional US$2 million towards coordination of the repatriation exercise, bringing cumulative disbursements to US$3.4 million. The United Nations Agencies have mobilised approximately US$564 000, while the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies provided US$264 000 for hygiene promotion and transport support.”
He said the Government, working closely with Harare Metropolitan Province and other partners, was establishing a reception centre at an appropriate place in Harare to assist returnees directed to Harare.
Meanwhile, Dr Soda said Cabinet considered and approved the Municipal Police and Courts Bill, which was presented by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
He said in terms of the Urban Councils Act and the Rural District Councils Act, local authorities were empowered to formulate and enforce regulations of matters falling within their jurisdiction.
Dr Soda said the Bill strengthens the legal framework for municipalities to establish and maintain dedicated and professional police services focused on community safety, by-law enforcement, traffic management, and local crime prevention.
“Additionally, the Bill provides for the creation of municipal courts, definition of the courts’ jurisdiction, including over municipal by-laws, minor offences, traffic violations; and the appointment of municipal magistrates, among other matters prescribed by the law,” he said.
“Accordingly, local governance structures will be enhanced in line with the constitutional Devolution principles and improved public safety and environmental management outcomes.” *_-Herald_*
