mbulelo smpofu
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
ABOUT 170 vulnerable families in Gwanda Town and several care institutions have received grocery hampers as part of this year’s Gwanda Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund initiative.
The fund extended its generosity to institutions, including Gwanda Provincial Hospital, Kip Keino Children’s Home, Gwanda Old People’s Home and Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home. The initiative has also provided bursaries for learners in need, ensuring education support for the coming year.
Beneficiaries who received their hampers during a handover ceremony at the Gwanda Municipality offices on Friday, expressed gratitude for the timely intervention.
Ms Simo Ndlovu, a person living with a disability, said the support has brought relief and joy during a challenging time.
“I am grateful for this gift from the Gwanda community. Living with a disability after suffering a stroke makes it difficult to work and earn a living. This grocery package will enable me to enjoy the festive season like everyone else,” she said.
Mrs Betty Keddar (73) commended the initiative, expressing appreciation for the recognition and care shown towards the elderly.
“It is heart-warming to see the elderly being remembered and celebrated in our community. I thank the Mayor of Gwanda, Alderman Thulani Moyo, and the community for making this festive season special for us,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mr Joshua Sibanda, who cares for his disabled grandchild, said: “Taking care of a disabled child comes with many responsibilities and expenses. This support is a blessing and we are truly thankful,” he said.
Chairperson of the Gwanda Mayor’s Cheer Fund, Mr Methuseli Moyo, highlighted the programme’s achievements, including funding school fees for six learners for the entire upcoming academic year.
“We engaged school headmasters in the town, who recommended deserving learners for bursaries. This year, we successfully provided hampers to 169 families and supported key institutions like Kip Keino Children’s Home and Gwanda Provincial Hospital,” he said.
Mr Moyo said various stakeholders, which include the business community, mining companies and individuals, contributed to the fund.
He said they engaged different stakeholders, including the Department of Social Welfare, councillors, churches and civic organisation who helped in selecting the beneficiaries.
The cheer fund targets vulnerable groups such as orphans, widows, the elderly and people living with disabilities.
“We have managed to make significant intervention under the mayor’s cheer fund. We have managed to pay school fees for six children for the whole of next year. In the town, we have six schools and we engaged the headmasters from each school who recommended a learner,” he said.
Mr Moyo also revealed that efforts to mobilise resources for next year’s fund have already begun, with plans to increase the programme’s reach. Gwanda Mayor, Alderman Thulani Moyo, commended various stakeholders, including businesses, mining companies and individual donors that contributed to the fund.
“This year’s fund has exceeded expectations, with more families and institutions benefiting compared to last year. Our goal is to expand the reach to 500 families in the future. I urge all stakeholders to join this noble cause and make a greater impact,” he said.
Last year 150 households benefited and this year the number increased to 169.
“This year we assisted with bursaries. We also catered for care institutions one of them being the Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home. It’s our duty as local authorities to give towards this home as it is housing children that are coming from our areas,” said Clr Moyo.
The Gwanda Residents Association Chairperson, Mr Collet Moyo, also lauded the initiative, urging residents to take ownership of the programme to ensure its sustainability.
“This is a great initiative that continues to change lives. For it to succeed, everyone in the community must play their part by contributing,” he said. — @DubeMatutu
daniel chigunwe
