dyton mupawaenda
Arron Nyamayaro
A 72-year-old set of twins on Saturday drew the attention of guests at the International Twins Day.
Violet and Jesta Mabaisa of Bulawayo joined other twins and multi-birth at Harare Gardens.
Gogo Violet and Jesta expressed their love for each other, a common affection, associated with twins.
They stunned guests by answering questions at the same time as well as the same answers to prove their oneness even in minds.
“We feel like one person from our childhood until now,” said Mabaisa twins.
“We thank the Twins Association of Zimbabwe for rekindling our love by creating a platform to meet other twins.
“It strengthens and comforts us,” they said.
Another set, Kudzai and Rumbidzai Mpofu of Gokwe, based in South Africa, travelled by road from Johannesburg for the celebrations.
“Our union as twins is hard to separate and we decided to celebrate the day in our motherland. We support the vision of Katonha twins that of not allowing other twins to suffer the way we grew up as twins.
“We are here to give hope to mothers of twins and multi-birth,” said Mpofu twins.
In his speech as guest of honour and Patron of the Twins Association of Zimbabwe (TAZ), Honourable Caleb Makwiranzou said twins or multiple births are lucky and they need Physiologically, Psychologically and Emotionally (PPE) support.
“We also know that when twins are adults, Career and Situational separation can be emotionally testing for them, because it is like losing your other half.
“The Zimbabwe statistics show that out of every 100 births, there are three twins, this number, according to these statistics is slightly more for Black Couples compared to white couples. TAZI, is making every effort in trying to reach out to all the twins around the country.
“The number is significant because it works out that out of every 100 people in Zimbabwe, six are coming from a multiple Birth.
“Twins therefore need to be natured, in our national plans. “They need education, they need employment and finally they need to be considered as equals in our society,” said Hon Makwiranzou.
He lamented the double crying and sleepless nights faced by parents of twins and multiple births, appealing for special attention from corporates and relevant Government authorities to address their food, clothes, and education, among others.
“It is exactly for this reason that I think the Twins Association of Zimbabwe and the International Twins Association were primarily formed.
“That is to look at these challenges and to find a solution for them,” said Hon Makwiranzou.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter