Migrant Remittances Inspired Enterprises in Tsholotsho: Issues of Sustainability

Abstract

Following unprecedented and protracted political and economic crises during the period spanning 2000 to 2009, Zimbabwe experienced increased migration of its populace to the diaspora. One notable positive result of this migration phenomenon has been an increase in the inflows of remittances, which have partly inspired the emergence of enterprises. In February of 2009, Zimbabwe introduced the multi-currency system, which introduced new dynamics related to the sustainability of these enterprises. This, coupled with the foregoing, called for the review of the sustainability of remittance-inspired enterprises to ensure their potential for survival in the interim and the long term. As such, the present study was guided by a framework produced by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which lists the six basic conditions necessary for nurturing sustainable enterprises. This study made use of both primary and secondary data that included a household survey carried out on 40 households and 10 key informant interviews. In line with five of the six pillars of the ILO framework, the study found the following: 1) there is a governance framework instituted by the District Council that regulates the operations of businesses; 2) the infrastructure to support businesses is either not in place or is in a poor state; 3) enterprises practice responsible stewardship of the environment; 4) the society and culture is supportive of enterprise formation; and 5) the macro-economic environment is riddled with uncertainties.

The effects of funding withdrawals in fragile systems: a case study in Tsholotsho District Hospital in Zimbabwe

“…While the district is endowed with natural resources, it is a region characterised by low rainfall and dry arid land [98]. Most families rely on herding livestock, farming of drought-resistant crops, and remittances from migrant workers [99,100]. Over the years, oods and droughts have led to forced internal displacement, starvation, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases [99,101].…”

“Creating a Generation of Equality”: A Stakeholder’s Perspective on Power Dynamics and Gender-Based Violence in Zimbabwe

“…For instance, men are more likely to be educated and employed than women (Lasong, et al, 2020), men are more likely to hold positions of power in government, business, and other institutions (Jena, et al, 2023). Moreover, men are more likely to be seen as the head of the household and to have decision-making power over family matters (Maviza & Carrasco, 2023). This imbalance of power gives men a sense of entitlement over women and girls.…”

Towards a Legal and Regulatory Framework for South African Domestic Remittances: Some Considerations

“…In 2016, South Africa had approximately 24,3 million domestic remittance users (Technoserve, 2016). Much has been written on the economic and development aspects of remittances, but less so on the legal and regulatory framework pertaining to remittances (Abida and Sghaier, 2014;Beyene, 2014;Adarkwa, 2015;Matuzeviciute and Butkus, 2016;Maviza et al, 2019).…”