Zim up for share in US2,2 million to create saving...

Zim up for share in US2,2 million to create savings groups for SA returnees

Zimbabwe is one of three southern African nations up for grants to fund financial inclusion for citizens returning from South Africa and to also empower young people considering going to that country.

“The University of Georgia Research Foundation received a $2.2 million award to address financial inclusion of labor trafficking survivors and those at risk of labor trafficking in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi.

“Through a phased approach, the program will create and strengthen financial savings groups for survivors returning from South Africa and vulnerable youth considering moving to South Africa by first focusing on a robust research framework,” reads a statement from The Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) through US Department of State website.

South Africa is currently on a drive to rid itself of illegal immigrants and has announced that Zimbabweans who had been granted indefinite special exemption are now required to get normal residency documentation or exit the country by 30 June 2023.

A civilian militia movement named Operation Dudula is committing vigilante crimes targeting foreigners, predominantly Zimbabweans, with several fatalities already reported.

Zimbabwe currently has over 550 Malawians custody after they were discovered in the country while trying to cross illegally into South Africa.

The US$2,2 million grant is one of the seven grants under the PEMS. Other countries that will be covered by the other six grants include India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

“Starting October 1, 2022, these programs will implement innovative and transformative approaches to combat human trafficking, including a focus on financial inclusion,” reads the statement.