Zimbabwean expats still not considering a return home

Zimbabwean professionals that are based in Britain have stated that they have no desire to return home until they see evidence of real change, despite the ongoing attempts by South Africa to find a resolution to the continued troubles facing the unity government.

The UK became a popular destination after the violent land reforms enacted by Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party in 2000 which destroyed much of Zimbabwe’s agricultural based economy. The following decade of political turmoil and economic meltdown resulted in Mugabe being joined by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangarai from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and Arthur Mutaambara in the tripartite Global Political Agreement (GPA) which aimed at stabilising Zimbabwe through a unity government.

However, many UK-based expats are unwilling to trust politicians again until all outstanding issues that currently rest with the GPA are resolved. Continued bickering amongst the GPA has made the choice to remain in Britain an easy one for most.

South Africa remains the other most likely destination for exiles, with estimates saying that up to 2 million people have fled across the southern border in the past decade. The total number of people who have left Zimbabwe has reached as many as 4 million in that time.

The unity government was formed in February this year but expats are yet to see signs of agreement, with the Zanu-PF in particular seemingly dragging its feet on a range of reforms. Mugabe has also appointed the reserve bank governor and attorney general, contrary to the agreement, as Zimbabwe has so far failed to convince the EU and US of its commitment to change.

Although South Africa has attempted to intervene Zimbabwe remains a long way from being in any position to entice expats home.