By Rex Mphisa
REMITTANCES from the United Kingdom are certain to rise above that of South Africa as many Zimbabweans return home due to a number of reasons, chiefly uncertainty.
A growing number of Zimbabweans are leaving South Africa and heading back home and immigration sources say the figures are big.
South Africa had gained the economic refugee status with many Zimbabweans trekking down to “eGoli”, then a land of opportunity, safety and stability.
Some even adopted new names, stole citizenship or simply got into the groove by marrying in.
“But now, tables are turning, we are handling a number of Zimbabweans going home forever. Some have documents that expired long back,” a South African border official told Ziyah News.
Thousands of teachers fled home and started new jobs in South Africa where those in the STEM classes scored big and even secured legal stay papers.
Others joined the food industry as waiters and waitresses while some went to become shop assistants.
Truckers as well joined their industry and others picked different jobs where they supported those back home with cash and groceries.
Of late, the SA economy is unstable, the job market has become restless with SA nationals up against foreigners accused of taking their jobs.
Shrinking job market is strangling Zimbabweans who are slowly accepting home is best.
“Each time I visit home, i find them with more disposable cash than me. People are into mining, commercial gardening, fishing, you name it. It appears things are taking a new direction and I want in,” said Ticharwa Mudzi of Gutu.
He said having lived in Pretoria as an assistant mechanic (with qualifications) things were rosy but suddenly there is an attitude sweeping across the country.
“Its better i suffer at home. People here have become hostile and i would rather be in a comfortable environment,” he said.
He is lucky he built a small tractor and owns a truck he is driving back home to start again.
The are many like him who used to send money home.
Remittances from SA had a major impact on Zimbabwe where they have been vital particularly after an economic meltdown that peaked in 2001 to 2007.
Recently Minister of Finance and Economic Development said the structure of diaspora remittances had evolved with the UK certain to overtake SA.
“The structure of our diaspora has evolved significantly. While South Africa remains home to the majority of Zimbabweans abroad, higher earnings and formal employment in the United Kingdom are now translating into larger remittance flows,” he said.