mbulelo smpofu
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
FIRST Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, has donated food items to two children’s homes and an old people’s home in Matabeleland South to bring cheer to the less privileged.
Institutions that benefited are Kip Keino Children’s Home in Gwanda, Ethandweni Children’s Home in Matobo and Gwanda Old People’s Home.
Speaking at the handover of the food items in Gwanda on behalf of Dr Mnangagwa on Tuesday, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, expressed her appreciation for the First Lady’s acts of philanthropy.
She urged everyone to emulate the First Lady’s kindness and generosity.
“What we are witnessing here today is part of the philanthropic works being done by our mother, the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. We are very grateful and we acknowledge the significant impact that her philanthropic work has had on our communities,” said Dr Ndlovu.
“Let’s continue to work with her and let us put to good use these goods that have been donated to our institutions. Together we can make a difference in these homes.
“This donation by the First Lady has come in handy as we are entering the festive season. The festive season is a time to be happy and merry but only those that have been fed can celebrate Christmas,” she said.
Dr Ndlovu encouraged people to follow in the footsteps of the First Lady, a compassionate and nurturing mother who generously gives to those in need.
The charitable contribution aligns with President Mnangagwa’s objective of enabling all citizens to fully enjoy the benefits of a transformed country, ultimately achieving Vision 2030.
Dr Ndlovu advocates for the province to cultivate a tradition of giving to the less fortunate and supporting local communities during the holiday season and beyond.
Speaking after receiving their allocation of food items, Ethandweni White Water Sai Children’s Home administrator, Ms Ntombizodwa Ndlovu, said the festive season will be special for the children, thanks to the donation from Dr Mnangagwa. The home has 44 children.
“We are grateful for this gift that we have received from our mother, the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. It has covered a huge gap for us as an institution and we can now focus on catering for the other needs of the children such as school fees,” she said.
“It’s always our desire to prepare something special for the children during the festive season so that they too can be merry and have a wonderful time. The children will surely feast and have a wonderful time.”
Gwanda Old People’s Home co-ordinator, Ms Ruth Zulu, said it was the duty of the administration to ensure that inmates have resources as some of them had been abandoned by their relatives. She said the food items would go a long way and expressed her gratitude to Dr Mnangagwa.
Ekhaya Kip Keino resident social worker, Ms Sibonginkosi Sibanda, said she was glad that the institution, which has 52 children, was not left out.
“It’s always a delight to be recognised and remembered despite being in the remote parts of the country. We are glad that our mother, the First Lady remembered us during the festive season and has gifted us with food,” she said.
“We don’t take this kind gesture for granted and we are grateful. The children will indeed have a Merry Christmas.” — @DubeMatutu
