In a recording breaking turn of events remittances send to the country from Diasporans have since overtaken foreign aid. 2020’s remittances have broken the record by having the highest ever remittances sent from abroad.
Speaking to journalists in Bulawayo, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube pointed out that the remittances received in all of 2020 amounted to US$1 billion.
The minister further attributed the massive inflow of cash from Zimbabwe’s diaspora to the use of formal channels of sending money. These channels remained operational during Covid-19.
Remittances are said to be on the rise in other African countries as well. Leader of the African Diaspora Global Network, based in South Africa, Vusumuzi Sibanda applauded diasporans all over. He had the following to say:
“Most of the households now have at least one sibling or relative in the diaspora, and as a sign of Ubuntu, they have to send help back home. They have to because the Zimbabwean economy is harsh for locals, which is the reason why people seek greener pastures elsewhere.”
While it is noteworthy that Zimbabweans are working hard to support their families. The families dependence on their funds reflects negatively on the economy and also means that diasporans have to work several jobs just to make ends meet.
However, this goes hand in hand with the diasporans resolve to assist Zimbabweans last month which we discussed in a previous article.
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