Diasporan comeback moves

I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts that have been on my mind regarding a trend I’ve observed over the past few years. It’s something that has left me both curious and contemplative, and I’d love to hear your perspective on it.

Over the years, I’ve noticed a growing number of people who had previously moved abroad—often in search of better opportunities and a brighter future—returning to Zimbabwe. At first glance, this trend doesn’t quite make sense to me, and I want to clarify that it’s not because I disapprove of the idea of coming back home. On the contrary, I think there’s something deeply meaningful about returning to one’s roots. However, I find myself struggling to understand the thought process behind this decision.

When someone leaves their home country, especially after spending a significant portion of their life abroad in a place they believed offered greener pastures, what motivates them to return? What has changed—either in their personal circumstances, their outlook on life, or even in Zimbabwe itself—that makes coming back the right choice for them? These are questions that keep circling in my mind.

What’s even more intriguing is that, in some cases, when I compare those who left for abroad with those who stayed behind, the differences are striking. Surprisingly, it’s not always the ones who went abroad who seem better off. In fact, I’ve seen instances where those who remained in Zimbabwe are more financially stable, better prepared for retirement, and generally more settled in life than their counterparts who ventured overseas. This observation has left me wondering: What’s the issue here? Why do some people who left in search of a better life end up returning, sometimes in less favorable circumstances than those who stayed?

I can’t help but think that there’s a deeper story behind these “Diasporan comeback moves.” Is it a sense of nostalgia or a longing for home that pulls them back? Is it the challenges of living in a foreign country—cultural differences, isolation, or even systemic barriers—that make them reconsider? Or is it that Zimbabwe, despite its challenges, offers something uniquely valuable that they couldn’t find elsewhere? Perhaps it’s a combination of all these factors.

I’m sure that, in time, I’ll come to understand this phenomenon better. For now, it remains a bit of a mystery to me. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you noticed this trend as well? Do you have any insights into why people are choosing to return, or what their experiences might be like after coming back? I’m genuinely curious to learn more and gain a deeper understanding of this complex and fascinating dynamic.

Interesting Insights

TKCNOTES

I have enjoyed the company of a tablet over the years. This week's post is about how my digital life was changed by the Samsung Tab S6 Lite

​

See you in the next one

​