Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve,Victoria Falls Reporter
THE elderly in Matetsi Ward 1 were filled with joy and gratitude as the Angel of Hope Foundation, under the patronage of the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Government delivered much-needed food assistance to the community.
The First Lady, who serves as the Ambassador of Wildlife, donated 50 food hampers to the elderly, while the UAE Embassy, in collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe, provided 17,143 kg of roller meal in three batches as part of their drought relief programme.
The donation was officially handed over by the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, and the UAE Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Jassin Mohammed Al Qasimi, during a ceremony held in Matetsi Village, in Matabeleland North Province.
The event underscored the importance of corporate social responsibility in supporting communities living adjacent to wildlife-protected areas, who often face challenges such as human-wildlife conflict, climate change-induced droughts, and limited access to resources.
Minister Ndlovu described the gesture as a significant donation, aligning it with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1, Vision 2030, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 1: No Poverty.
She praised the UAE Government and the Angel of Hope Foundation for their generosity, which she said would strengthen community resilience in the face of climate shocks.
“Today, we applaud the Government of the United Arab Emirates, working together with the Government of Zimbabwe, for their generous donation of 17,143 kg of roller meal in 3 batches. This second batch under their drought relief programme brings hope to Matetsi Ward 1, demonstrating a shared commitment to socio-economic and ecological well-being,” said Minister Ndlovu.
She also commended the First Lady for her unwavering dedication to uplifting vulnerable communities through the Angel of Hope Foundation.
“We also celebrate the efforts of the Angel of Hope Foundation, under the patronage of our First Lady, who is the Ambassador of Wildlife, for donating 50 food hampers to the elderly in Matetsi. This gesture speaks volumes of Her Excellency’s deep commitment to the welfare of our communities, especially the most vulnerable,” she said.
The Minister highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing the challenges faced by communities living near wildlife-protected areas.
She urged the beneficiaries to embrace the donations with gratitude, echoing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra: “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.”
Chief Whange, one of the traditional leaders present at the event, expressed profound gratitude for the donations, noting that they would go a long way in alleviating hunger and improving the livelihoods of the elderly and vulnerable in Matetsi.
“We are deeply thankful to the Angel of Hope Foundation and the UAE Government for remembering our people during these times. The food hampers and roller meal will bring relief to many households, especially our elders who often bear the brunt of food shortages. This is a true demonstration of love and care for our community,” said Chief Whange.
The ceremony also served as a platform to reflect on broader developmental goals.
