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By Stephen Ephraem

CHIPINGE: Tongogara Refugee Camp Administrator, Mr Johanne Mhlanga under the ministry of Public service, Labour and Social Welfare has released a theme for promotion of refugees during the year 2021.

Speaking to Post On Sunday this week, Mhlanga indicated that Zimbabwe is adhering to its commitment to protect refugees.

“The theme for our camp for this year is ‘The Tongogara We Want.’ which promotes what the country stands for as far as refugees are concerned.

Johannes Mhlanga: Administrator of Tongogara Refugee Camp

“Zimbabwe is a signatory to Global Compact on Refugees. We are happy to announce that the country is living up to its commitment in meeting the legal provisions in refugee protection.

“One of the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees adopted in 2018 is to promote inclusion of refugees in national programmes such as arts and culture.

Zimbabwe is creating opportunities for refugees to showcase their talents and at the Global Refugee Forum we committed to promote and enhance opportunities for refugee youth to participate in sports, arts and culture,” said Mhlanga.

The Camp Administrator went on to reveal what camp authorities have in store for the refugees.

“ The Tongogara We Want, is a theme anchored by my unquenchable appetite for youth to take the lead in community development where they should be creative.

“We have youth who have already shown that they are capable of developing the camp through sports, arts and culture. It is interesting to see one Cedrick Mulumba Kayembe producing a television series on culture.

“Youth of Kayembe’s calibre deserve support from all players. Friends of Tongogara Refugee Camp can come on board to assist such a rare talent for the betterment of humanity,” added Mhlanga.

According to statistics released on 24 September 2020, Tongogara Refugee Camp had 14 542 refugees and asylum seekers. 75 percent constituted those from Democratic Republic of Congo, 11.07 percent from Mozambique, 6.2 percent from Burundi, 4.7 percent from Rwanda and 2.53 percent from smaller communities.