Entertainment
Archdiocese of Bulawayo: Integrating Zimbabweans repatriated from South Africa
Recently, the Archdiocese of Bulawayo’s Pastoral Centre conducted its monthly online Synodal School under the theme, “Family: The Heart of the Church Where Synodality Begins.” The presentation, reflection, and discussion led participants towards the urgent pastoral need of welcoming and integrating Zimbabweans repatriated from South Africa due to Xenophobic attacks.
Paul Samasumo – Vatican City.
Last Friday, the United Nations Resident Office in Zimbabwe appealed for greater international support to help Zimbabwe cope with the growing influx of citizens returning from South Africa. Since 28 May 2026, authorities have facilitated the repatriation of more than 33 000 Zimbabweans from South Africa.
Fruit of diocesan synodal school
Fr. Limukani Ndlovu, the Pastoral Vicar of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo, told Vatican News of the Archdiocese’s efforts in settling and integrating returnees.
“After the session of our diocesan synodal school reflection, we were all touched by what was happening. I approached Archbishop Alex Thomas to discuss the need for a coordinated pastoral response to support our brothers and sisters returning from South Africa. The Archbishop immediately issued a pastoral letter to guide priests, lay leaders and the faithful throughout the Archdiocese. In his message, he encouraged the faithful to welcome returning nationals without prejudice ‘and to the best of our ability, integrate them into our Small Christian Communities, associations, missions and parishes,’” explained Fr Limukani.
In his role as the Spiritual Director of Adult Associations, Fr Limukani was also able to bring on board members of the Catholic Women’s League.
“Christian stewardship finds one of its clearest expressions when we place our gifts at the service of those most in need,” he said as he explained why it was important for as many people in the diocese to get on board.
Behind every statistic
Part of the welcome and integration includes simply listening to the stories of the returning migrants.
“We visited a group of returnees who were en route to Plumtree but had to stop over in Bulawayo. We spent time listening to their stories and shared refreshments with both adults and children. Their experiences revealed the pain, uncertainty, and resilience that so many have carried with them on their journey home.”
“One mother quietly shared: ‘My child was denied medication in South Africa, and we were told to return to Zimbabwe.’ Another young woman expressed gratitude simply for having made it back home safely, saying she was happy to be back alive. These encounters served as a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a person created in the image of God, a family carrying heavy burdens and a story that calls for compassion, dignity, and hope,” said Fr Limukani.
Our modest contribution
Churches, civic organisations and well-wishers in Zimbabwe have rallied behind Zimbabweans returning from South Africa. The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in Njube, Bulawayo, currently serves as a temporary reception and transit centre for those returning from South Africa. Fr. Limukani and team also visited the UCCSA centre in Njube – a suburb of Bulawayo.
“In the company of catechist students, we visited the Returnee Reception Centre at the UCCSA Church in Njube to spend time with the returnees. We offered some food provisions, shared moments of encouragement, and reminded them that the Church stands with them as they begin the next chapter of their lives. Although our contributions were modest, our presence conveyed an important message: they are not alone, and they have not been forgotten,” Bulawayo’s head of the pastoral ministry emphasised.
Comprehensive rehabilitation plan
Fr. Limukani thanked Archbishop Thomas for his pastoral leadership in Bulawayo during the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He further appreciated several pastoral agents, organisations, Small Christian Communities and apostolic associations of the Archdiocese for rising to the occasion, when duty called.
“I am pleased to share that the Archdiocese is in the process of partnering with Caritas, the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), and Silveira House to implement a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for returnees,” said Fr Limukani.
According to the Bulawayo Archdiocese, the programme will include psychosocial support, livelihood assistance, advocacy, facilitation in obtaining identity documents, cash transfers, and the provision of essential daily needs. These interventions will help restore dignity, strengthen resilience, and support the successful reintegration of returnees into their families, parishes and communities.
In the end, Fr Limukani told Vatican News: “The experience of accompanying our returning brothers and sisters has reminded us that the Church is called not only to preach the Gospel but also to live it.”
Source link