Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa-Herald Reporter
ENVIRONMENT Patron, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, yesterday urged all citizens to make cleanliness a way of life as she led a spirited clean-up exercise across Harare, giving the capital the vibrant, welcoming ambience it deserves.
From downtown to the Mbare flyover, buildings, bus terminuses, and streets long plagued by litter and waste were transformed, leaving a sparkling clean environment and a breath of fresh air, a testament to the leadership and initiative of the First Lady.
Mother Zimbabwe’s hands-on involvement inspired local business owners, vendors and men and women of all ages to join forces, turning collective effort into visible change across the city.
The exercise, which was supported by the Environmental Management Agency, Harare City Council, Geo Pomona Waste Management, Government officials and the Harare Youth Transporters Association, not only beautified the city but also aimed to curb the spread of disease and promote proper waste management practices.
People participate in a clean up campaign organised by Environment patron and Health Ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in Harare yesterday.
Shop owners and street vendors along Julius Nyerere, Cameroon, Leopold Takawira, Rezende, and Mbuya Nehanda streets watched in admiration as Mother Zimbabwe personally swept the streets and cleaned the pavements, inspiring many to join her in the effort.
At Market Square bus terminus, one of the busiest areas prone to litter, and Gulf Complex, the Environment Patron also rolled up her sleeves and cleaned alongside the community, setting a powerful example of leadership by action.
So much dirt was wiped out through Dr Mnangagwa’s intervention, complementing relevant authorities and emphasising that cleanliness is not just a habit, but a way of living.
Commending the volunteers, the First Lady emphasised the importance of prioritising the nation’s health and promoting good waste management through regular participation in clean-up exercises.
Environment patron and Health Ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa clears litter in the streets during a clean up campaign she organised in Harare yesterday. – Pictures: John Manzongo.
“Thank you for coming and committing yourselves towards the implementation of the zero-waste movement in our beautiful city. It is my singular honour to be with you here in Harare CBD as we embark on an environmental journey under the zero-waste movement.
“It is essential that we care for our environment, beginning right at our doorsteps. Do not leave trash behind for others, for illness often starts where we are careless,” she said.
During the activity, Mother Zimbabwe also encountered vendors selling illicit brews, taking the opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and substance abuse, reinforcing the message that caring for the environment goes hand in hand with caring for the community’s well-being.
People sweep the streets during a clean up campaign which was organised by Environment patron and Health Ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in Harare yesterday.
“I have also noticed some of you selling harmful substances that are destroying our children. I urge you, do not sell these substances. These drugs are turning our sons and daughters into thieves and all the undesirable actions. Have compassion for our children.
“A mother feels pain; do not destroy another woman’s child for the sake of a dollar. They wake up only to seek drugs, spending their time intoxicated, even raising their hands against their own parents,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa, who is leading a model drug rehabilitation centre in Mbare, also urged the nation to refrain from harmful practices, as drugs and substances are destroying lives.
“Do not believe that one drink or one indulgence today will leave you unharmed tomorrow; it can slowly weaken both body and spirit. Some of these substances remain in the body, up to 40 percent stays behind, multiplying their effect.
“It settles in the organs: the intestines, the lungs, the kidneys. Over time, your body becomes too weak to function properly, and it begins to show in your behaviour. Already, many of you have damaged your lungs, and the drugs are now part of your daily lives,” she said.
Mother Zimbabwe added: “My children, look at yourselves; this path is painful to me. I beg you, stay away from drugs. Please, I am deeply hurt when I see you going this way.”
People pick up litter during a clean up campaign which was organised by Environment patron and Health Ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in Harare yesterday.
Participants praised Mother Zimbabwe for spearheading the initiative, sharing that they had learned valuable lessons about waste management and pledged to continue these efforts in their neighbourhoods. They also welcomed her guidance on avoiding drugs and illicit brews.
A shop owner, Maclren Rukweza, highlighted the lessons on maintaining clean premises imparted by the First Lady.
“We were taught that as shop owners, we must spruce up our premises every morning when we open. We are also passing the message to our neighbours. It is not only about cleaning inside, but outside too,” he said.
Mr Chamunorwa Chiwara said he was deeply moved by Dr Mnangagwa’s message on drugs.
“I was touched when the First Lady explained the dangers of drugs and alcohol in depth. She made a strong plea, showing how they cause death and crime,” he said.
Mrs Letwin Chisa said she learnt the importance of cleanliness and avoiding drugs.
Health Ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa educate people to stop consuming and selling dangerous drinks she encountered on street vendors shelves being sold during a clean up campaign she organised in Harare yesterday.
“There are some things we take for granted, but today I was reminded of them, including putting litter in bins. It is a pleasure having a humble First Lady who interacts with everyone in the community,” she said. For Mrs Nett Chinzinga, the key lesson was that the programme extends beyond the city.
“I am glad this programme is not only for Harare Central Business District but also for our homes. Some of us will be smart in our offices, but back home, it will be a disaster. The issue of drugs was also tackled, which is important for our families as it has become a menace,” she said.
Echoing similar concerns, Tafara Itai remarked: “We learnt how drugs are destroying lives, even leading to children being abused, with a recent case of a girl who was raped at Rezende bus terminus. Police should take strong action to set an example.”
Harare Youth Transporters chairman Edmore Tirivanhu Gwengwe appreciated the support given to operators and vendors.
“I thank the First Lady because she supported both vendors and transporters. On drugs, as an association, we are working with police to expose bases in ranks, and we will continue to emphasise this,” he said.
A vendor at Market Square Bus Terminus shared that the First Lady had warned against disguising drug sales as ordinary business.
Thousands load litter into refuse bins during a clean up campaign which was organised by Environment patron and Health Ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in Harare yesterday.
“First Lady taught us not to sell drugs disguised as fruits or other goods. I learnt that drugs are harming young people, even those who do not understand their effects,” he said.
As the country’s Environment Patron, Dr Mnangagwa is a signatory to the Global Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration, committing to sustainable waste management and promoting responsible consumption practices.
Signatories support campaigns, programmes, and initiatives that encourage zero waste and environmental responsibility.
Joining the First Lady in the clean-up were representatives from youth groups and recycling organisations, demonstrating that when communities come together, positive change is possible.
