Firms heed call to assist

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
COMPANIES in Bulawayo heeded the call to assist a local organisation to purchase a vehicle to carry out their mandate of visiting inmates.

Hospitals and Prisons Care Ministries International held a fundraising dinner on Friday where the companies supported the initiative. Mpilo Central Hospital chief executive officer Mr Leonard Mabhandi who is also a board member for the organisation said people and communities should be relevant in life.

“We need to be relevant in our lives at no cost; others seek relevance with a benefit attached to it. When I was invited to be part of this organisation I saw the need to assist others it, hence to be relevant in the community for others. I am happy that you have come up to assist those in need,” he said.

Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Principal Correctional Officer Garainashe Moyo commended the move by the organisation and said prisoners need to be rehabilitated with the assistance of local organisations and the community. “We cannot do rehabilitation of inmates on our own, we need support from those around us. Donations in food and supplies have been welcomed greatly by the prisons over the years,” he said.

He said the community in Bulawayo must brace themselves for the inmates to be released from Khami Maximum Prison following Presidential amnesty. He said they must be reintegrated and be accepted so that they do not revert to criminal activities.

Apostolic Faith Mission Bulawayo province overseer Reverend Doctor Nathan Nhira said communities can achieve a lot if they work together.

“Charity has a vision of kindness, and simple awareness that the best aspect of human nature is represented by those who endeavour to help others in need. It is simply mind blowing to think what can be achieved when we put our hearts and minds on such charitable work. Let’s all be part of this incredibly inspiring and empowering force to help patients and inmates,” he said.

Companies that assisted the organisation in raising funds to buy the vehicle include United Refineries, Heritage Bookshop, Plus 2 pharmacy, Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, Edgars Stores and various other individuals.