What is 'Kuzhinji'?

'Kuzhinji' (or 'kuchinja') refers to the diaspora practice of sending goods, money, and food back to Zimbabwe through informal networks (omalayitsha) or formal remittance channels. It is a cultural obligation for many Zimbabweans abroad to regularly support their extended families at home. This includes sending monthly cash, school fees, medical bills, groceries, clothing, and building materials. The pressure to kuzhinji while managing living costs abroad creates significant financial and emotional stress, but the practice sustains millions of families in Zimbabwe.