500 households benefit from First Lady’s input scheme

FIRST Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has handed over a consignment of seed maize to 500 vulnerable households in Bulawayo in a move aimed at strengthening household food security and enhancing climate resilience among disadvantaged communities.

The donation was officially handed over yesterday at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex through the Office of the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, marking another milestone in the First Lady’s sustained philanthropic and empowerment initiatives targeting vulnerable groups nationwide.

Speaking on behalf of Minister Ncube, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary, Mr Paul Nyoni, expressed gratitude to the First Lady, describing the gesture as timely, compassionate and reflective of her unwavering commitment to the welfare of ordinary citizens across the country.

“We thank the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who has kindly donated the seed which we are distributing today. This is testimony that our mother has her children at heart. She does not want anyone to go hungry and is empowering families to grow their own food,” said Minister Ncube.

She said the intervention would go a long way in cushioning vulnerable households against food insecurity, particularly in the face of climate-related challenges that continue to affect agricultural productivity.

“On behalf of Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, I wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for her generosity and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people of Bulawayo, exemplified by this timely and compassionate distribution of seed,” said Minister Ncube.

The timely seed donation comes at a time when many urban and peri-urban households are grappling with food insecurity due to rising living costs, unemployment and the effects of climate change, which has disrupted traditional rainfall patterns and reduced yields in previous farming seasons.

Over the years, the First Lady has spearheaded several empowerment and social protection initiatives, including input support schemes, nutrition gardens, women’s empowerment programmes and support for the elderly and people living with disabilities. These initiatives complement Government programmes aimed at strengthening food security and achieving Vision 2030’s goal of an upper-middle-income economy.

Minister Ncube said the First Lady’s philanthropic work brought hope and dignity to many families, particularly the indigent, the elderly, persons living with disabilities and child-headed households and families.

“Today, her gesture will bring not only nourishment to households but also hope, dignity and reassurance that she truly cares for all her children. This support reflects the noble principle of ‘leaving no one and no place behind,’ which lies at the heart of our national development agenda,” she said.

The minister emphasised that the provision of seed to vulnerable households also demonstrated justice and solidarity, enabling families to redirect scarce resources towards other critical needs such as education and healthcare.

“By supporting vulnerable households, the First Lady has enabled children to attend school with dignity, the elderly to live with peace of mind, and families to strengthen their resilience at the household level. This intervention strengthens our social fabric and promotes sustainable livelihoods,” she said.

Minister Ncube commended Mother Zimbabwe for championing initiatives that place the welfare of vulnerable groups at the centre of national development, noting that her programmes across the country consistently demonstrate compassion, leadership and a strong commitment to social inclusion.

“The seed support extended to Bulawayo today is yet another testament to her hands-on approach and her motherly care for the nation,” she said.

Minister Ncube urged the beneficiaries to make effective and productive use of the inputs, adding that the donation symbolised the Government’s continued support for its citizens.

“To the beneficiaries gathered here today, I urge you to make the best use of this seed. Let it serve as a reminder that your Government and leaders stand with you, now and always,” she said.

Minister Ncube also called on citizens to embrace a shared sense of responsibility in nation-building, in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.”

“As we receive this seed, we are reminded of our responsibility to use resources wisely and productively, supporting one another and contributing to the growth and development of our nation,” she said.

Minister Ncube added, amid light moments, that the First Lady had promised to join beneficiaries during harvest time, encouraging recipients to nurture their fields in anticipation of a bountiful yield.

Beneficiaries of the scheme hailed the first lady for her initiative and called upon other stakeholders to join her in the project.

A beneficiary of the First Ladys gesture, Goliath Ndlovu, said he was grateful for the seed, especially on behalf of the disabled community of Bulawayo. The seed will go a long way in alleviating hunger.

“I am deeply grateful for this seed donation, particularly on behalf of the disabled community in Bulawayo. This support will go a long way in alleviating hunger and restoring hope to many vulnerable households,” said Ndlovu.