Sinokubonga Nkala
Nqobile Tshili, nqobile.tshili@chronicle.co.zw
BULAWAYO businessman Cde Brian Samuriwo brought festive cheer to hundreds of senior citizens from Luveve and Emakhandeni suburbs yesterday, distributing Christmas hampers through his Brian Samuriwo Foundation as part of his corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The elderly gathered at KoSamuriwo Command Centre Pub and Grill, where the hampers were handed out.
The event was initially planned as a festive party for the elderly but was scaled back due to the burial of former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko.
“We have to honour our fallen hero. It would not be proper for us to hold a party when we are in mourning as a nation,” said Cde Samuriwo.
The hampers included essentials such as mealie-meal, cooking oil, bathing soap, washing soap, sugar, rice, and soya beans.
Addressing the gathering, Cde Samuriwo highlighted the growing prominence of his establishment, KoSamuriwo, which he said has become a vital part of Bulawayo’s tourism corridor.
“In October, during the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo, KoSamuriwo in Luveve was one of the areas visited by tourism players. Together with the residents, we have put Luveve on the map, attracting foreign guests to our community,” he said.
Since opening last December, Ko-Samuriwo has employed 140 youths, providing much-needed jobs and empowering local families. Cde Samuriwo said the profits from the business are reinvested into community projects, enabling initiatives like the Christmas hampers.
“The reason why I opened this place was to make sure that I don’t continue using my money to support the community programmes.
“The profits that we derive here are the ones that are supporting the community projects.
“We opened this place last year in December and what we are distributing here is from the profits that we made here,” said Cde Samuriwo.
He pledged to intensify his efforts to support the elderly and address community concerns, including noise pollution from the establishment.
“While some believe MPs should only focus on making laws in Parliament, I think they should also be actively involved in their communities, listening to their challenges, and finding solutions. That is why this Command Centre exists — to improve the lives of ordinary people,” he said.
The elderly expressed heartfelt gratitude for the gesture. Ms Ntombenhle Mpofu, who looks after her five grandchildren, said the donation would significantly ease her family’s burden.
“We didn’t have the groceries that have been given to us. I appreciate this so much because I look after my five grandchildren, and this will help us a great deal,” she said.
Mr Luca Ngwenya, who looks after 15 family members, echoed similar sentiments.
“This donation shows the importance of taking care of the elderly. I stay with my 15 grandchildren, and this will make a real difference at home.
“We are grateful to Cde Samuriwo for this gesture,” he said. — @nqotshili
mbulelo smpofu
