Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu,mpofuamos41@gmail
The Entumbane community has secured Christmas food hampers for 300 vulnerable families in and around the suburb, thanks to local philanthropists dedicated to supporting orphans, widows, the elderly, people living with disabilities, the sick and other disadvantaged groups.
The initiative began in 2023, initially assisting just three families. Over the past three years, it has grown into a fully-fledged community support programme.
The project is spearheaded by local residents, Mr Nkosikhona Mlilo and Ms Margaret Zulu, who remain committed to uplifting the less privileged.
Donations towards this year’s hampers have been received from various well-wishers since September.
The distribution of the hampers is scheduled for Saturday, with the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Province, Judith Ncube, expected to officiate as guest of honour.
Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor David Coltart, has also confirmed his attendance.
Mr Mlilo highlighted the remarkable growth of the initiative.
“The programme started with helping just three families in 2023. Last year we assisted 50 families, and this year we have secured hampers for three hundred families. I created the Mlilo Family Trust Foundation to attract more sponsors and to give structure to our efforts. Many companies have shown interest in partnering with us, which has enabled us to increase our reach,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the organisations and individuals who have contributed towards making this year’s effort a success.
“I want to categorically thank Bakers Inn, Mr Sinkwa, Solatek Motor Spares, Entumbane residents and the Entumbane diaspora, ZAMA — the Zimbabwe Artisanal Miners Association, the Presbyterian Church which offers us a venue every year, BICC Church, SDA Entumbane Church, Royal Brands Zimbabwe, New Royal Zimbabwe,
Cruise Fumigation and the Radda Foundation for believing in this movement. Their hearty contributions have made this possible,” he said.
A total of 50 people from each beneficiary group will receive a hamper, amounting to 300 recipients. Each hamper is valued at US$32 and covers basic nutritional and hygiene needs.
The packages include 10kg mealie-meal, 2kg rice, 2kg sugar, 2kg flour, 1kg salt, 2 litres of drink, green bar soap and bath soap, four packets of soup, a loaf of bread, 750ml tomato sauce, 2 litres cooking oil, a tin of baked beans, toothpaste and toothbrush, a bathing towel, and a 750ml bottle of mayonnaise.
Last year’s beneficiary, Ms Sithembiso Moyo, who lives with a disability, said the assistance made a profound difference to her family.
“Last year, I didn’t know how I would feed my children for Christmas. The gesture from this initiative was truly a blessing. May God bless them abundantly for thinking of us again this year,” she said.
Mr Mlilo said the foundation’s long-term vision extends beyond seasonal giving.
“The Mlilo Family Trust Foundation is committed to empowering marginalised groups by not only addressing immediate needs but also offering long-term support,” he said.
For Ms Zulu, the driving force behind the initiative is compassion.
“This is all about love. We see people struggling during Christmas and we can’t just sit back while others suffer. Even a small gesture can bring joy and relief to someone in need,” she said.
Bongani Ndlovu