Wenslus Murape
Tendai Rupapa
Senior Reporter
GIVING symbolises love, thoughtfulness and appreciation for one another.
True to this, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has taken it upon herself to provide cheer to thousands of underprivileged children and the elderly in care homes countrywide this festive season despite the effects of the El Nino-induced drought that the country is wading through.
Last season, Zimbabwe, just like other countries in southern Africa, had a poor rainfall season, which resulted in crop failure, leaving many people with a food deficit.
The First Lady remembered the vulnerable communities, and has stretched a helping hand to them.
She does not only remember the need during the Christmas season, the First Lady caters for their needs throughout the year.
Bulawayo, Midlands, Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Manicaland provinces collected their consignments yesterday while the other four provinces did so earlier this week.
Yesterday, representatives of Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, were invited by the mother of the nation to her offices in the capital to collect bountiful groceries for onward transmission to care homes.
They received their share of Christmas goodies comprising rice, cooking oil, mealie-meal, sugar, salt, maize and soya chunks courtesy of the mother of the nation’s Angel of Hope Foundation.
The elderly in the Midlands Province, those in communities, had not received their Christmas hampers and they were duly catered for yesterday.
Other provinces already received consignments for the elderly during some of Amai Mnangagwa’s programmes in the provinces while those who are yet to receive, will be given.
The First Lady personally distributes goods to the needy and ensures that they reach the intended beneficiaries.
Handing over the goods yesterday, the mother of the nation said she made sure homes across the country’s 10 provinces benefited.
“It is that time of the year when we celebrate Christmas. I have put together goodies through my AoHF (Angel of Hope Foundation) to distribute to our care homes something that I always do.
“I usually visit these homes that is Children’s and Old people’s Homes countrywide giving them what I would have found. I ensure that goods reach the intended beneficiaries and I distribute them personally. With these gifts, I want them to have a Merry Christmas,” she said.
Commenting on Christmas hampers that she donated to the elderly living in Midlands districts, Dr Mnangagwa said old age was an important phase in life and the elderly people needed special care, food, love and attention to lead healthy lives.
“Vana mbuya nanasekuru raised us and made sure we grow up to be the people that we are today. Zvekare ndivo denhe reruzivo uye vanotidzidzisa zvakawanda. We need to provide them with the best care because they cared for us and now, they are the ones who need us.
“We should always show them that we love and appreciate them. Ndinokurudzira madzimai echidiki kuti mudzinharaunda dzavagere vapote vachishanyira vakwegura vedu and help them especially with household chores,” she said.
Amai Mnangagwa urged children in homes to value education and be serious with their school work to achieve more in life.
She also thanked the caregivers whom she said always made sure that the children and the elderly are well-fed and clothed.
The representatives commended Amai Mnangagwa’s philanthropic power and mobilisation muscle.
They expressed gratitude to the First Lady and pledged to ensure the goodies reached the intended beneficiaries.
Mrs Progress Mpala from Matabeleland South Province said the First Lady had done a wonderful thing by extending the Christmas cheer to the needy.
“We thank the First Lady heartily for what she is doing for us in our care homes to assist the needy especially this Christmas period. These gifts come in handy. We pray to God to give her more life and strength to continue working for the people because Amai has people at heart. Zvese zvavanoita vanoita nemoyo wese,” she said.
Similar sentiments were shared by Mrs Florence Manjova from Masvingo Province.
“We are thankful to the First Lady for what she has done for us in Masvingo. She regularly remembers orphans, widows, and those with disabilities among many other vulnerable groups.
“Only last week she was in Masvingo, where she also distributed food hampers to the elderly, and barely two weeks later, she is here again giving us food as a loving mother who cares for the welfare of her children,” she said with a face beaming with joy.
Mrs Emily Dzengai from the Midlands Province leapt with joy as she celebrated the First Lady’s love and concern for the welfare of the people.
“I have come to receive food from Amai. Amai regularly remembers us and mobilises many resources for us in our times of need. During the COVID-19 era, she mobilised sanitizers, masks, and other sundries for people in care homes and even prisons. She always comes to our provinces with a lot of programmes for the upkeep of the whole family.
“I am glad that she has this time come back with a programme of providing food cheer for vulnerable members of the community. It is my humble wish that God continues to bless her and gives her the strength to continue providing for our motherland,” she said.
Mr Albert Chigoche from Manicaland Province was over the moon.
“I am very happy because of the gesture by Amai. She has given us presents for orphans, the disadvantaged, and Old People’s Homes to extend cheer to the needy.
“She regularly visits us, mobilising resources and engaging the communities with a view to building a strong nation. Our mother has a special place for everyone in her heart, and we thank her greatly for that,” he said.
His views dovetails with those of Mr Edmore Mharure from Matabeleland North Province.
“I have come to collect hampers for the needy, and we are thankful for this gesture. We will ensure the goods reach the intended beneficiaries because the love that she has shown us is incomparable. She has come up with food to ensure her children survive and enjoy the festive season,” he said.
Mr Ronald Munzvengwa from Bulawayo said; “I would like to show appreciation and gratitude to the First Lady, Amai for the gifts that she has presented to us for onwards distribution to those in care homes. It’s going to go a long way in making the festive season enjoyable for Children’s Homes and Old People’s Homes.”
