Cyclone Idai survivors get donation

Herald Reporter

BUSINESS Friends of Manicaland recently donated an assortment of goods to Mutare residents, especially women affected by Cyclone Idai.

Formed in 2019 by mostly local businesswomen and those staying in the Diaspora with the aim of assisting the needy, BFM donated peanut butter-making machines, pots, sanitary pads and plates, among other goods.

The goods were handed over to the women by Manicaland provincial development coordinator Mr Edgars Seenza on behalf of Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, BFM coordinator and ambassador-designate Dr Nancy Saungweme said there was another consignment of clothes, shoes and kitchen utensils, which was expected in the country soon from the United Kingdom.

“We are not tiring in giving donations to Cyclone Idai victims,” she said. “This is an on-going initiative that is aimed at assisting affected people during the post-Cyclone Idai era. We have another consignment that is coming from the UK. The container with the items was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Dr Saungweme said their association intended to assist everyone who was affected by the Cyclone Idai, although their bias was towards women, as they were the most affected.

“This donation was mainly targeting women who were affected by Cyclone Idai,” she said. “There has been challenges in travelling mainly because of the cyclone and later on travel restrictions because of Covid-19 restriction.

“It then affected women in Chimanimani who were failing to travel to buy items such as sanitary pads and other items,” she said.

Mr Seenza, who spoke on behalf of Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister Gwaradzimba, said the gesture would go a long way in helping the women.

“l greatly appreciate the donation,” he said. “This is going to help women in Chimanimani as most of them are still traumatised by the Cyclone Idai.”

Business Friend of Manicaland is a crucial project, which was formed for the purpose of helping the victims of Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe, in March 2019.

Dr Nancy Saungweme, Florence Sachikonye, Sheila Matamisa, Sue Peters, Yvonne Mapungwana, Christine Chima and several other successful women living in the Diaspora are the brains behind the Business Friends of Manicaland.