Masvingo-Born Man Among Zimbabweans Deported from U.S., Says He No Longer Speaks Shona
Masvingo-Born Man Among Zimbabweans Deported from U.S., Says He No Longer Speaks Shona – Mr. Mabhugu, originally from Masvingo, was among seven Zimbabwean nationals deported from the United States on Friday, 19 September, after serving prison sentences. He revealed that he can no longer speak or understand Shona, having left Zimbabwe at the age of nine to live in Pennsylvania.
“I was born here, in Masvingo, but I don’t understand the language anymore,” he said upon arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
The deportees were returned via a chartered flight that also carried individuals from Ghana and Zambia.
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According to U.S. immigration authorities, all had completed prison terms and were classified as “undesirable immigrants.”
The return of Zimbabwean nationals from the U.S. reflects broader patterns of migration and forced repatriation. Many left the country during periods of economic and political instability. The International Organization for Migration estimates that over 908,000 Zimbabweans now live abroad.
Reintegration into Zimbabwean society remains a significant challenge. Returnees often face language barriers, lack family ties, or experience stigma associated with deportation. While the Ministry of Social Welfare has provided short-term assistance, calls for more comprehensive reintegration support—including skills development and psychosocial care—continue to grow.
Despite the challenges faced by deportees, Zimbabwe’s diaspora plays a key role in sustaining the national economy. In 2024, diaspora remittances totaled nearly US$1.9 billion, contributing around 25% of all foreign currency inflows.
