Zim no sweet home any longer

Source: Zimbabwean Independent, 15/01/2016

THE old adage that says "there is no place like home" — which has been
popular since 1822 when legendary English lyricist Sir Henry Bishop,
composed the song Home! Sweet Home — resonates with many people the
world over.



Owen Gagare

Sir Henry, the first musician to be knighted, repeats the line "there
is no place like home" twice in the three-line chorus.


Words in the song would appeal to many people around the world, but
this may not be the case with a large number of Zimbabweans who
continue to flee the country seeking greener pastures, thanks to the
government`s ruinous economic policies.


The story that we carry on Page 2, about the ballooning numbers of
Zimbabweans seeking work permits and study visas in South Africa, is a
candid indication that the economic deterioration at home is having a
huge impact on the lifestyles of people, hence the decision to seek
opportunities outside.


In short, the story reveals that the South African embassy in Harare
has processed an average of 300 applications a day in 2015 up from 150
in 2014.


This means the embassy is receiving 1 500 applications per week which
translates to about 6 000 a month.


The numbers do not include the thousands of Zimbabweans who do not
bother with the niceties of work permits and visa applications.


Instead, they choose to either walk or swim across the Limpopo River
braving the crocodiles and other inherent dangers that arise as they
seek to find a new home.


Since 2000, Zimbabweans have been emigrating to regional countries
such as South Africa, Botswana and to places such as the United
Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, but nowadays you can find
Zimbabweans in far-flung destinations like Afghanistan, United Arab
Emirates, China and Latin American countries.


The main reasons for the exodus are political and economic. Larger
numbers fled to seek greener pastures as the economy went on a
downward spiral, which eventually led to record-breaking
hyperinflation of 231 million percent in 2008.


After the stability brought about by the inclusive government, which
resulted in some people abroad considering to come back home, Zimbabwe
has been hit by a fresh wave of migration due to the new economic
pressures.


This kind of migration disrupts the social lives of people who have to
struggle with new cultures and value systems.
A lot of Zimbabweans in South Africa, for example, have to battle
crime and xenophobic attacks while the millions living there illegally
have to play cat and mouse with the police on a daily basis. And even
if they were subjected to heinous and barbaric xenophobic attacks,
which often lead to death, many still choose not to return home.



There is no worse indictment on the government and country than this.
Sadly for Zimbabwe, those applying for permits are skilled and
experienced people who could play a critical role in the country`s
development.


Zimbabwe may never be able to attract back the skilled people who are
being frustrated out of the country.


Meanwhile, those in authority seem not bothered too much about the
country`s economic problems. Their eyes and energy are firmly fixed on
succeeding President Robert Mugabe (92 next month), who has clung onto
power despite his old age and obvious signs of frailty.


Thus the economic problems are set to continue unabated.


As a result, the exodus will only worsen and many Zimbabweans will not
be singing along to Bishop`s song of the joys of home anytime soon.