Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
FEMALE councillors drawn from across Zimbabwe’s political divide yesterday paid a courtesy visit to First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, to whom they also donated cooking equipment and utensils to support her philanthropic work at her various care homes countrywide.
The councillors, who openly interacted with the First Lady at her Zimbabwe House offices, came from several local authorities, including Beitbridge, Shurugwi, Karoi, Zvishavane, Kwekwe, Bindura, Redcliff, Norton and Harare.
They donated various items, including a charcoal-powered stove, utensils such as pots, plates, serving dishes, spoons, knives and forks, among several others.
To complement the women, one of the board members of the Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home, Mr Ngoni Chimbalu, who was also present, donated several food hampers in support of the First Lady’s programmes.
The female councillors said they were motivated to make the donation as a way of complementing the First Lady’s initiatives through which she provides care, shelter, meals and clothing to vulnerable members of society at her facilities.
These include the Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home and the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre.
The councillors said the First Lady’s work, which is carried out in a non-partisan manner, inspired them to set aside political differences and unite for a common cause.
They added that Dr Mnangagwa’s commitment to empowering women and youth across the country had strengthened their resolve and capacity to bring meaningful change to their communities.
The First Lady, Dr Mnangagwa, warmly welcomed the councillors and expressed gratitude for their gesture, saying that their visit had coincided with the ongoing International Women’s Month commemorations running under the theme, “Give to Gain.”
Dr Mnangagwa said the donation came as a pleasant surprise.
“You have shown your commitment. Thank you for the love you have shown during this Women’s Month, whose theme is ‘Give to Gain.’ What you have done will also inspire other women so that during this month everyone can find something to give to others,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa, who took the women through her various programmes, also spoke about various social challenges affecting communities and emphasised the need for women to work together in addressing them and curbing social ills.
“I hope we will continue working well together to make a meaningful change in our communities. Wherever women come together, tangible results are achieved,” she said.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the women to exchange ideas on programmes they intend to implement across the country, starting with initiatives aimed at addressing early child marriages.
Dr Mnangagwa said the step taken by the female councillors to serve others with humility was commendable and instilled confidence in other women, showing that every woman is a leader in her own space and can make a meaningful contribution towards the development of their communities.
Female councillors drawn from across the country said their actions were guided by the theme; “Give to Gain,” which encourages women to work together in supporting communities and fighting social challenges such as drug and substance abuse.
Councillor Talent Dhiyo from Bindura said they believed it was important to support initiatives that assist orphans and vulnerable children.
“From Bindura, we felt that during this Women’s Month, we should support the work she is doing in caring for orphans. We decided to act in line with the theme ‘Give and Gain,’ meaning we are working together as women.
“Let us follow her example so that children can also benefit from the things we donated. As women, we encourage each other that wherever you are, as a woman, you should do something positive for the next person,” she said.
From Beitbridge, Councillor Portia Shumba said they had travelled all the way to come and show appreciation where it is deserved.
“We came from Beitbridge to meet our mother and hand over utensils so that they can help in caring for orphans and children in homes battling drug and substance abuse. The work being done by our First Lady is tremendous,” she said.
Karoi councillor Rhoda Jaji said the visit also promoted unity among women during Women’s Month.
“We came to meet the First Lady during this month of women so that we can unite as women and help build and improve our country,” she said.
From Zvishavane, councillor Tendai Miti said the visit was meant to demonstrate unity and support.
“We have come to work together and support our mother. She is a true model through her work, so we decided to stand shoulder to shoulder with her and take a leaf from what she does,” she said.
Harare councillor Theresa Taguma Thomasa said the utensils would be put to great use because of the large number of children being assisted by the First Lady.
“We have donated to our mother because of the work she is doing. She is helping many young people in Mbare at her rehabilitation centre stay away from drugs so that they can have better lives,” she said.
Kwekwe councillor Diless Muradzikwa said they were inspired to follow the example of helping vulnerable members of society.
“We felt it was important to come and speak with the First Lady, our mother, and follow in her footsteps in helping the vulnerable in society,” she said.
From Redcliff, Councillor Christina Sigauke said they had visited during the period of International Women’s Day celebrations to recognise the work being done by the First Lady.
“We have come here during International Women’s Day. Our First Lady is doing a lot of work in the country. We have brought cooking utensils so that they can be used at her care homes. As women councillors, we are also learning from her example,” she said.
Norton councillor Shungu Peter Tsomondo said the First Lady’s work in caring for the vulnerable was inspiring.
“As Norton Council female councillors, we are inspired by the work Dr Mnangagwa is doing. The way she is caring for the vulnerable, helping fight drug and substance abuse and other social ills like early child marriages has pushed us to act,” he said.
Shurugwi councillor Agnes Taru said their delegation had brought various household items to assist in the ongoing programmes by Dr Mnangagwa, a true Angel of Hope.
“We have brought utensils such as dishes, cups and pots so that she can continue being assisted in the work she is doing,” she said.
The Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home board member, Mr Chimbalu, said the donation of food hampers was meant to support the First Lady’s charitable work.
“We came to support the good work being done by our mother, who has a loving heart. Her goal is to help others, especially the most vulnerable in society. Even from the short time we spent with her today, we have learnt many valuable lessons,” he said.
After the interaction with the First Lady, the councillors also had an opportunity to tour the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre, where they applauded the First Lady’s efforts after witnessing the transformation the facility has brought to the lives of many recovering drug addicts.
Through the First Lady’s non-partisan approach in her work, women leaders from different political backgrounds continue to be motivated to put aside partisan differences and play their part in supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening community welfare initiatives.
