The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has intensified its response to the plight of thousands of Zimbabweans returning and being deported from South Africa since May 2026, through a faith-led psychosocial support program aimed at restoring dignity and hope.
On 21 October 2026, the ZCC hosted a Faith Leaders Psychosocial Support Training at the Salvation Army Church in Beitbridge under its South Africa Returnees & Reintegration Program, guided by the theme “Welcoming the Stranger” (Matthew 25:35).
The training brought together 30 participants comprising faith leaders and government stakeholders and was facilitated by the Department of Social Development (DSD), the District Development Coordinator’s Office and the ZCC Secretariat.
The workshop focused on critical areas including family reconciliation and community acceptance; trauma, stigma and compassionate spiritual care; and effective referral pathways and coordination with government departments, health facilities, the police and NGOs.
Facilitators noted that many returnees arrive emotionally wounded and face discrimination within their families and communities, requiring holistic care that goes beyond material assistance to include psychosocial and spiritual support.
Through the training, faith leaders were equipped to act as community first responders – able to offer basic counselling, foster acceptance, and link returnees to professional services for health, legal and social support.
The program underscored the Church’s continued commitment to walking alongside returnees and deportees, addressing discrimination, restoring dignity and nurturing hope.
Guided by the call to welcome the stranger, faith leaders are now expected to strengthen referral systems and mobilise support within their congregations to help returnees rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their families and communities with dignity and acceptance.
