Zimbabwe: The dream of a better life | DW Documentary

Zimbabwe's economy has collapsed and many young people emigrate to earn money. Those who remain in Zimbabwe rely on remittances from family members who work in Europe or other African countries.

"Transactions" tells the story of migration in Zimbabwe through the eyes of one family whose members have been separated by the failed economy. Frank, who lives in Cape Town, and Miles and Portia, who work in Britain, support their family back home through regular remittances. At the same time, they yearn for their homeland. A fourth sister, Chrysthle, still lives in Zimbabwe and is unable to offer the family any financial help, despite her full-time job. Their mother, Mamilo, is the central point of contact for everyone in the extended family in Zimbabwe. Anyone who needs money comes to her, full of hope. But with every loan, tensions rise. Frank wants to help, but he resents it when his mother uses the money for things he doesn't agree with.

After the Covid-19 pandemic leads to hard lockdowns in South Africa and Zimbabwe, life becomes increasingly difficult. Mamilo urges her youngest daughter Chrysthle to follow in the steps of her siblings and leave Zimbabwe.

This intimate film documents the situation faced by Frank and his family. How much are they prepared to sacrifice to provide for their family?

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[georgephambala]

This family would make a reality show. They took us through a rollercoaster of emotions. So many questions left lol

[Bellarue]

I understand Kiki. We shouldn't judge her because everyone needs to be true to themselves and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Moving abroad isn't best for everyone, and it feels like Kiki's family is treating her poorly because she chose to stay in Zimbabwe. Even if she seems less successful, if she's happy in Zimbabwe, that's what matters. It's sad that she feels she would be a better daughter if she went abroad and made money, implying she's treated as less because she doesn't have money. When she asked her mom, "Did you miss me?" it seemed like she felt disconnected from her family because she makes less money and isn't abroad.

Life is more than making money or going abroad. Some people go abroad and succeed, but it's not for everyone. My father chose to stay in Zimbabwe when his family moved abroad. They looked down on him for his entire life for staying, but he had the best quality of life. He got a permanent job, raised his family, took his kids through school, and lived a fulfilling life with a strong relationship with God. He didn't have much money but lived a decent, well-rounded life.

It's not always about money; it's about living a fulfilling, purposeful, and impactful life, being grounded in God, and being a good human being. Not everyone has to go abroad. I'm living abroad and glad I made that decision, but I understand it's not for everyone.

Good for you, Kiki. I hope you don't lose your self-worth because of how your family treats you. Be strong. The strength it took to say you're not going to Poland and to leave the family group—may that same strength help you stand firm in your decision. It's your life at the end of the day. All the best, Kiki.

[razeka]

As a foreigner, I can say the more you give to them, the more they depend on you to constantly helping them. Some of them don’t even care to work.

[nkanyezitshabalala]

This is such a beautiful film. Given the fact that South Africa has an immigration problem with Zimbabwe, it helps to give context to the experience of actual Zimbabweans.

I also love how the film shows the personalities and diversity of the members of this family, I really relate.

[Tripleexel]

One of the many reasons immigrants stay poor. Survivors guilt. You have people who have worked 30+ years in good jobs but in retirement have nothing to show for becasue they were paying for peoples lifestyles back home.

[joynerkid]

A story that reflects on the experiences of Zimbabweans both at their motherland and across the globe .Thank so much for this documentary .The love kept them goin despite challenges they’re confronting to make ends meet .

[VusaMkhaya]

I enjoyed creating music for this documentary.🙏 Thank you all for watching.

[igbonation]

Sending money is our first name. Every time the phone rings, it’s not a matter of sending money but how much? The problems at home is so bad and sad that we feel so conflicted when we spend even a little money on ourselves. Our brains have become fast acting calculator that convert every money and the difference it will make in the lives of those left behind. It’s so 😢 😢😢😢

[KadduCheikhAnta]

A story for millions of people in the global South.

[Oharadannyabcdefg]

These people are hard working and compassionate. I respect them. I work with a Zimbabwean man in construction. On a negative, it's wrong that so many people are forced to leave to survive. And the fact that ordinary normal working class Europeans are obliged to compete for housing and jobs with tens/hundreds of millions of people from the global south who all are coming to Europe to live in our communities is utterly tragic. Europe cannot absorb these people without damaging our way of life and our culture. Politicians need to make life fairer and better for the global south. Good luck to them. Zimbabweans are strong people and I respect them a lot. Bless the Zimbabwean people.

[mooke]

We need an updated documentary on this family! They are so beautiful.

[dumisanisikhosana]

I came back to Zimbabwe in 2020 after living in England for 20 years and I've never looked back. I'm very happy being in Zimbabwe rather than being in a country where I never found acceptance and was constantly subjected to racism and discrimination. Africans should treat western countries as offices where they go to make money and then go back to their home countries when they've achieved their goals.

[brendangandu]

A beautifully made film which sheds light on the real struggles of people in the diaspora. The amount of financial burden they carry each and every day. One really has to be disciplined and say NO otherwise you’ll find yourself at 67 years old with not even a chicken to your name.

[theshugashackpodcast]

I really enjoyed this Documentary. I would love to see more about this family particularly Frank. He’s a great guy. Frank make sure to make taking care of you a priority.

[zvikomatondo]

This documentary touches on both sides of life. It shows how people in the diaspora are working so hard to support families back home and the challenges in try support our families back in Zimbabwe.

[KeahliMaury-hfbi]

As a Zimbabwe Immigrant I do not like living abroad. I been home sick for years. Government of Zimbabwe need to change now. I wish to return immediately. Change Zimbabwe for good

[ettaagbor]

Great insights. The pressure from family members when you travel abroad is real. Sometimes you work, you break your body, and you can't even enjoy a penny. It's a vicious circle, thank you, DW.

[tinad]

All I can say is I hate this African mentality that the older generations think they had children as an investment to look after them. Let us break this thinking and plan for our own old age and what to leave for the next generation. If not leave the next generation to focus on themselves. Parents you are not self entitled to my money and it was your responsibility to look after me but you can't be my burden to carry when I already have my own journey and challenges (I know easier said than done😅 but it's annoying) Am now very anxious 😔

[maribrunson]

I truly enjoyed watching this documentary, it's always good to listen and learn from someone's testimony.

[WSamuel-]

DW you have captured my attention when it comes to documentaries, Thank you for not disappointing. Much love for the work.