Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Angel of Hope Foundation, under the patronage of the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, together with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government, has donated grocery hampers to elderly residents in Matetsi Ward 1, Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province.
Dr Mnangagwa, who also serves as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador of Wildlife, donated 50 food hampers to the elderly, while the UAE Embassy, in collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe, provided 17,143 kilogrammes of roller meal in three batches as part of their drought relief initiative.
The donation was officially handed over during a recent ceremony in Matetsi, attended by the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, and the UAE Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Jassin Mohammed Al Qasimi.
The event highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility in supporting communities living adjacent to wildlife-protected areas, which often face challenges such as human-wildlife conflict, climate-induced droughts and limited access to essential resources.
Minister Ndlovu described the gesture as significant, aligning with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1, Vision 2030, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — particularly Goal 1, which focuses on ending poverty.
She commended both the UAE government and the Angel of Hope Foundation for their generosity, noting that the support would help 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 kilogrammes of roller meal in three 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 Dr Ndlovu.
Minister Ndlovu also praised 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.
Dr Ndlovu emphasised the importance of partnerships in addressing the challenges faced by communities near wildlife-protected areas.
She encouraged beneficiaries to receive the donations with gratitude, echoing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s philosophy: Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.Chief Hwange, one of the traditional leaders present at the event, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the donations, noting their impact on 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,” he said.
The ceremony also served as a platform to reflect on broader developmental goals. Minister Ndlovu called for sustained investment in schools, health centres, skills development, and community-led conservation initiatives. She also stressed the importance of leveraging the tourism economy of Victoria Falls to create income-generating opportunities for local communities.
The event coincided with the ongoing Ramsar COP15 on Wetlands in Victoria Falls, where global leaders are discussing sustainable wetland management. Minister Ndlovu drew parallels between the conference discussions and the need to ensure the well-being of communities dependent on natural resources.
“As the world deliberates on wetland management at Ramsar COP15, let us remember that the health of our ecosystems and the welfare of our people are inseparable. By working together — Government, partners and communities — we can secure livelihoods, protect our wildlife and build a resilient and prosperous Zimbabwe for generations to come,” she said.
The donations from the Angel of Hope Foundation and the UAE Embassy have not only brought immediate relief to Matetsi but also reinforced the power of collaboration in addressing humanitarian and environmental challenges.
— @nyeve14
