By Thupeyo Muleya
Government has set up a national committee to look into the plight of Zimbabweans fleeing South Africa in droves in fear of threats of xenophobic attacks.
The International Organisation for Migra-tion also immediately announced plans to work with the governments of Zimbabwe and South Africa to help repatriate Zimbabweans seeking assistance.
Civil Protection Unit director Mr Madzu-dzo Pawadyira last week said the Govern-ment was considering seriously rumours of xenophobic attacks hence the need to be fully prepared for any emergencies.
They were putting in place all necessary arrangements despite assurances from the South African government that the threats were just a hoax.
"We have come up with contingent plans in case of any xenophobic eventualities in South Africa.
"A national committee made up of the ministries of Local Government, Health, Home Affairs, Social Welfare and other stakeholders is on standby in the event there would be an unprecedented increase of people fleeing xenophobic attacks from our neighbour.
"We are here (in Beitbridge) to see how best we can transport people and offer moral and mutual support to our fellow countrymen," he said.
Mr Pawadyira said several NGOs — among them IOM, World Vision and Medicins Sans Frontieres — have also been helpful in assessing the situation on the ground and offering assistance in terms of accommodation food and transport.
He said the CPU had so far received 10 000 blankets, 1 000 water buckets, 20 boxes of green bar soap and three tents from UN agencies in order to deal with the situation.
They would soon engage the National Railways of Zimbabwe to transport people to their respective destinations.
IOM said following media reports about fears of xenophobic attacks in South Africa after the 2010 Fifa World Cup, it was prepared to work with either government to repatriate people to their homes.
"IOM has read about recent media reports about fears of xenophobic attacks on Zimbabweans (and other foreigners) after the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa.
"In the event of either government seeking IOM assistance in the repatriation of Zimbabweans, IOM (in collaboration with the relevant government and aid agencies) would be in a position to assist," reads part of the statement.
Last year IOM, in collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe and South African authorities, facilitated voluntary return of 169 Zimbabweans fleeing xenophobic attacks in SA.
It provided the returnees with medical screening, facilitation of travel documents, transport and food.
Should the need arise again, IOM with assistance from relevant authorities said it was ready to reactivate the mechanism that was used to assist returnees from De Doorns in SA.
At least 6 000 foreign nationals were displaced in South Africa, while 66 others were killed at the height of the xenophobia attacks in 2008.
published by, The Herald 19 July 2010
www.herald.co.zw
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