Behold, the return of the Injiva
boys and girls are THE slowly trooping back into town. It is that time of the year when Zimbabweans living outside the country make a beeline for their motherland to join families and friends in festivities.
WITH millions of Zimbabweans working and living in virtually every corner of the globe, the country’s ports of entry will be hives of activity as those living in foreign lands troop home.
But of all the Zimbabweans working outside the country’s borders, a section of those that live and work in neighbouring South Africa are the most visible.
Commonly referred to as Injiva in Matabeleland or Majoni-joni in parts of Mashonaland, some of the Zimbabweans that work and live in South Africa have developed a tendency of showing off when they come back home.
Some of them proudly display their fancy cars, trendy clothes, household goods and phones, while others are known for their generous spending, particularly when buying beer.
How the Injivas, who have different socio-economic backgrounds, accumulate the money they splash during festivities is generally unknown.
Whilst some are in legitimate work and businesses, others are thought to be engaging in criminal activities and prostitution.
Criminals
A recent visit to some parts of Chipinge and Chiredzi revealed that the Injivas are slowly trooping back for the holidays, as evidenced by the presence of South African-registered vehicles in these border areas.
However, some of the people who spoke to The Sunday Mail Society said the majority of Majoni-joni are viewed as criminals who have a penchant for violence.
“Some of these guys are not only violent, they have a tendency of impregnating underage girls and dumping them.
“While a few have managed to save, build homes and buy cattle, the majority of them have little or nothing to show for their toil,” said Kumbulani Sithole of Mahenye, Chipinge South.
Sithole said the majority of the young men who worke in South Africa often engaged in violent and often fatal fights over trivial issues.
“Some fight over girlfriends at bars. Some youngsters harass their parents and relatives, accusing them of practising witchcraft. To say the least, the level of violence exhibited by these guys is shocking,” added Sithole.
Although some of the Injivas travel to as far as Harare or Mount Darwin, the majority of them are concentrated in border areas such as Chipinge, Gwanda, Chiredzi, Plumtree and Tsholotsho, among others.
The usually sleepy city of Bulawayo often comes alive during this time of the year, thanks to the colourful and action seeking Injivas.
But save for the bad apples, some of the people working and living in South Africa are law-abiding citizens who contribute immensely to the development of this country.
Apart from bringing the much-needed foreign currency, the Diaspora community is creating employment opportunities for thousands of people back home.
Informal cross-border transporters or remittance couriers, commonly known as omalayitsha, earn their keep through transporting the goods that are sent by those working in South Africa.
It is generally known that during this time of the year, foreign currency rates on the black market often tumble as currency volumes peak with the arrival of the Diaspora community.
In addition, the Majoni-joni also bring with them critical foodstuffs.
After working hard in South Africa, where they are often discriminated against and exposed to xenophobic attacks, one might be tempted to forgive the free-spending Injivas.
Whether one likes or dislikes the Injivas, they will be a part of us for the next month or two.
After all, for the Majoni-joni and everyone else, home will always be sweet.