Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa in KANYEMBA
FIRST LADY Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa continues to bring joy to the people of Kanyemba, leaving a lasting impression through her unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and placing them firmly on the national map.
Her latest visit, driven by generosity rather than duty, was marked by the distribution of tonnes of rice, wheat, flour, brand-new clothes, food hampers, and other essentials, ensuring every household in Mbire received a share.
Mother Zimbabwe also handed out brand-new baby preparation kits to all expecting mothers, along with toiletries, while every learner in the area received stationery as an act of compassion and care.
In the spirit of sharing and love, the First Lady treated the Kanyemba community to a hearty meal symbolising her nurturing spirit. For many, fast food is an everyday indulgence, but for others, it was something they had only heard about until the First Lady made sure, they too, could experience it.
Through her gesture, what many take for granted, a Chicken Slice meal, became a moment of joy, discovery, and gratitude.
In line with her ongoing efforts to promote sports, Dr Mnangagwa also donated sporting equipment and attire for various disciplines, including soccer, volleyball, and netball, among others.
The donation brought cheer to the youth, who celebrated the opportunity to nurture their talents and stay active. It also stood as a testament to the First Lady’s selfless commitment to empowering communities through sport across the country.
Dr Mnangagwa further reached out to women and girls, providing sanitary wear and encouraging open conversations about menstrual health and hygiene.
The community expressed heartfelt appreciation for the First Lady’s continued efforts to empower previously forgotten rural households and promote self-reliance.
Chief Chapoto said the people had been embraced and supported by the First Lady.
“We are overjoyed because her latest visit brought us food hampers, clothes, sports equipment, stationery, and many other items. It truly feels like an early Christmas present for us. I am very happy and deeply grateful. I pray she continues with her selfless spirit, as she has shown the true qualities of a caring mother,” he said.
Chief Chapoto also said since the First Lady’s initial visit, significant development had taken place in the area, including the construction of new schools and health facilities, as well as improvements in livelihoods.
“We are grateful to our First Lady. This is not the first time she has remembered us. Since her first visit, when she introduced various projects such as sewing machines, she has continued to come back every year, adding more initiatives,” he said.
Village head Kanyoka said that, being in Region 5, water scarcity has been a constant challenge, but Dr Mnangagwa’s gesture brought much-needed relief.
“We are deeply thankful to the First Lady for remembering our struggles and bringing us rice, wheat, and clothes. Her generosity reflects the true heart of a mother, and we appreciate her continued care for our community,” he said.
Another village head, Raphael Pondo, also expressed gratitude to the First Lady for standing with them in their time of need.
“Last year’s erratic rains made farming difficult and livestock management challenging, but her support shows that Amai truly cares for us. Her assistance gives us hope through the seasons, even here in Region 5, where rainfall is unpredictable.”
Yoko village head Joachim Chapoto said hunger had severely affected their community, and Mother Zimbabwe’s generosity brought great relief.
“Many of us never imagined someone would come to assist us, but her compassion has touched our community.”
Mbire District Medical Officer, Dr Edwick Chidziva, who received medical equipment on behalf of Chapoto Rural Health Centre, commended Health and Child Care Ambassador Dr Mnangagwa for her continuous efforts to improve the district’s health sector.
“We received various medical equipment for our rehabilitation and physiotherapy departments to assist the elderly and those with mobility challenges so they can regain their strength and independence,” he said.
Dr Chidziva also expressed gratitude for the baby preparation kits, noting that many women had previously given birth without registering due to shyness or fear of visiting health facilities without adequate supplies.
“We truly appreciate this support, as it will encourage more women to come forward and register their pregnancies. In most cases, women felt uncomfortable visiting facilities unprepared, but with these kits, we expect more to seek proper maternal care,” he said.
After being enlightened by the First Lady about the importance of early registration, pregnant women eagerly began registering.
Mother Zimbabwe encouraged them to attend regular antenatal check-ups, emphasizing that these visits allow healthcare providers to identify and manage potential issues early, thereby reducing risks for both mother and baby.
The expecting mothers in Kanyemba who benefited from the First Lady’s ongoing support, receiving baby kits and guidance on maternal care were in cloud nine.
Mrs Daphine Chapoto emphasised the emotional and practical support provided during challenging times, as well as the importance of early registration for pregnancy care.
“I thank our First Lady for assisting us in Kanyemba. Even during difficult times, she ensures we have a place to start. The love she gives us is invaluable. May God bless her. We were also taught the importance of early registration. Even a woman who is only a month pregnant should register so she can access proper care until she gives birth.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs Sarah Mutasa, shared her gratitude, saying the First Lady’s assistance has been consistent over the years.
“Thanks to the First Lady, we expecting mothers received baby kits. It will make my delivery much easier. We were forgotten, but she has remembered and supported us consistently, not just this year but every time she visits,” she said.
Mrs Concillia Chiputura also highlighted that many women had previously gone unregistered, often delaying essential care, and applauded the First Lady for providing items that allow children to be born with dignity.
“I applaud our Mother for giving us brand-new items so our children can be born with dignity,” she said.
Those who tasted fast food for the first time, coming from the once-isolated community, expressed joy and gratitude including Mrs Magret Perera (37), who thanked the First Lady for the experience and even vowed to take the food boxes home as souvenirs.
“I want to thank God for such a wonderful gesture from our First Lady. Some may take it for granted, but since birth, I had never had a fast-food meal like Chicken Slice. This is my first time tasting it,” she said.
Mrs Regina Zhazhere added, “I had gone for many years without ever tasting something like this. There are still people who have never tried it today. We were made to feel special, like everyone else in the country.”
Mbire District Schools Inspector, Mr Tawanda Chitimira, said the donation of stationery would significantly contribute to improving the pass rate in the area, where children previously did not attend school until the First Lady encouraged enrolment.
“Many parents have struggled to provide learning materials for their children, so this support will go a long way in improving academic outcomes in the district. The stationery is crucial for teaching and learning,” he said.
“Its impact is critical in enabling learners to develop literacy skills and enhancing the competencies of our ECD learners,” he added.
The First Lady’s latest visit to Kanyemba reflected her deep personal commitment to nurturing strong, healthy, and productive families, ensuring that no one is left behind.
