Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
China has extended humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities in Epworth, with Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding highlighting the challenges faced by Zimbabweans returning from South Africa as they seek to rebuild their lives.
Speaking during the handover of 20 tonnes of rice in Epworth on Thursday, Ambassador Zhou said the assistance, donated by the Chinese Government and distributed in partnership with Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Zimbabwe, was targeted at vulnerable groups, including returnees from South Africa.
He said the assistance was intended to help ease the challenges faced by returnees as they adjust to life back home.
Ambassador Zhou acknowledged that finding employment, supporting families and rebuilding livelihoods can be difficult for people returning to Zimbabwe after living and working abroad.
“I hope the rice we are distributing today will offer some comfort, and more importantly, convey a message of friendship and solidarity—a reminder that you are not alone on our shared journey toward food security,” he said.
The ambassador said the 20-tonne rice donation was more than the provision of food, describing it as a symbol of solidarity, friendship and shared hope between China and Zimbabwe.
He said China’s humanitarian support to Zimbabwe had also been evident during previous crises, including Cyclone Idai in 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and the El Niño-induced drought in 2024.
During the 2024 drought, China provided 10 000 tonnes of rice and wheat, together with 300 boreholes, to assist vulnerable communities, according to Ambassador Zhou.
Ambassador Zhou said the latest intervention reflected China’s broader approach to its cooperation with Zimbabwe, which he said increasingly encompasses poverty reduction, food security, public health, climate resilience and green development.
He said Beijing’s partnership with Harare was not only focused on responding to immediate humanitarian needs, but also on strengthening the resilience of communities and creating opportunities for sustainable and self-reliant development.
The programme was facilitated through cooperation between the Chinese Embassy, DAPP Zimbabwe, the Harare Metropolitan Provincial Government and the Epworth Local Board.
Ambassador Zhou said China would continue working with Zimbabwe to translate bilateral commitments into tangible benefits for communities.
