Thembelihle Mhlanga
In Makwakweni Village, Tsholotsho, the festive season brings a bittersweet reunion as young men and women return from South Africa. Their arrival is a celebration, yet it underscores the severe drought gripping the region due to El Niño.
Thando Moyo, 23, who has spent over a year in Johannesburg, returns with gifts and essentials. “I worked hard to bring something back,” he shares, “but it’s more than just money; it’s about being with family in tough times.”
The economic and political turmoil in Zimbabwe has pushed many young people like Noma Ndlovu, 24, to seek work abroad. “I found a job in construction there,” Noma explains. “It’s tough, but I can support my siblings back home.”
The drought has decimated local agriculture, with families relying heavily on these remittances. Mrs. Khumalo, a mother of three, expresses relief, “Seeing my son with food and clothes is a blessing during this dry spell.”
However, the joy of reunion is shadowed by the sustainability of this support. “I’m glad they’re here, but how long can they stay?” Mrs. Khumalo ponders, highlighting the transient nature of these visits amidst ongoing hardship.
For many returnees, the festive season is a stark reminder of their dual lives. “I love home, but I must go back to South Africa for work,” Thando admits, reflecting the community’s resilience and the necessity of migration for survival.
This year alone, scores of Makwakweni’s young adults have migrated for work, with remittances accounting for a huge chunk of the village’s income during drought periods. Local agricultural output has dropped massively due to the drought, exacerbating food insecurity, according to the Tsholotsho District Council.
Local initiatives, like the Community Water Management Project, aim to mitigate the drought’s impact by promoting drought-resistant crops and water conservation. However, these efforts are in their early stages, and the community still faces significant challenges.
The festive season, while filled with joy, also underscores the broader plight of Zimbabweans facing economic instability and environmental challenges. The laughter around dinner tables and the warmth of family gatherings serve as poignant reminders of what they are fighting to preserve.
As these young people prepare to leave again, they leave behind not only gifts but also a renewed hope for a sustainable future, one where they might not need to choose between family and survival.
