Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa in CHIVI
THERE was enthusiasm and appreciation in Masvingo Province as Environment Patron, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, took her thriving tree-planting initiative to the province, while also advancing cultural restoration initiatives and social support to vulnerable groups.
Multitudes of people packed Maringire Primary School in Chivi Central Constituency, where the First Lady emphasised that tree planting remains central to restoring ecosystems, improving livelihoods and securing the future for generations, while cultural values must be revived to strengthen national identity.
The Environment Patron’s tree-planting initiative is part of a nationwide campaign launched by President Mnangagwa in Mutare last year, seeking to restore forest cover, promote environmental sustainability and enhance livelihoods, while also greening both rural and urban communities.
Proceedings held in the province, which is home to the historic Great Zimbabwe monument, commenced with the First Lady planting an indigenous Muuyu (Baobab) tree, suited to the region’s climatic conditions, which she said was fast becoming scarce.
While also promoting environmental stewardship, Government officials, community members, traditional leaders, among others, joined hands to plant hundreds of trees, including mupfura, munyii and avocado, among others, so as to restore forest cover and enhance livelihoods.
In a move meant to promote leadership by example, chiefs, legislators, and councillors from across Masvingo Province were each given avocado trees to plant at their own homes and in their communities, reinforcing the message that environmental stewardship begins at the household level.
As part of her philanthropic work, Mother Zimbabwe also extended baby preparation kits to expecting mothers and food hampers to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, child-headed families and persons with disabilities, reinforcing her commitment to leaving no one behind.
In her address at the fully packed event, the First Lady, Dr Mnangagwa, emphasised the need for active community participation in protecting the environment, highlighting the critical importance of environmental stewardship and the severe consequences of deforestation on local livelihoods.
The Environment Patron also underscored the importance of preserving the environment, restoring the beauty of surroundings and ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving and sustainable province.
“Together with the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe, we have planted different types of trees. This demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship and encourages communities to take pride in contributing to the development of our nation.
“We are also teaching children so that they may continue this work, ensuring that beautiful and sustainable spaces are left for future generations,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said people should leave behind a land that is beautiful and productive for future generations, highlighting that although Masvingo is known for its heat and dry soils, planting trees can help retain water, improve rainfall and restore environmental balance.
“Masvingo Province has a rich history that calls upon us, as its custodians, to safeguard it with pride. We are the owners of this land and it is our responsibility to protect our forests, mountains, rivers and natural resources.
“Deforestation remains a nationwide challenge, and veld fires continue to spread. Let us work together to protect our biodiversity and natural heritage. Masvingo is home to the magnificent Great Zimbabwe, a heritage site that reminds us of our identity and legacy.”
The First Lady said that everyone has a responsibility to care for the climate, as climate change is affecting communities worldwide, saying practical steps can help mitigate its impact, with tree planting being one of the simplest and most effective measures.
The Mother of the Nation also took time to tackle social issues, saying parents must respect their matrimonial homes, guiding their children away from prostitution, drug and substance abuse and other harmful behaviors, which often lead to theft, violence and suffering, affecting families across communities.
Instead, Dr Mnangagwa said parents have a responsibility to uphold strong values in homes and communities, taking a swipe at rumours as well as immoral behavior, saying they weaken families and society.
Dr Mnangagwa also condemned child marriages. “We must build a society that nurtures and protects our young people, especially girls, so that they can thrive in dignity and safety,” she said.
The First Lady further encouraged families to uphold the values of love, peace and diligence.
During a highly interactive session, Dr Mnangagwa engaged elderly men and women, asking them about the qualities they seek in prospective daughters-in-law.
Some of the answers left the gathering in stitches, including: “I want a daughter-in-law who gives birth to twins.”
Another said, “Ndoda muroora wekuti akadanwa nemwana wangu anodaira achiti Shewe.”
One of the speakers also said the word love, or rudo in vernacular, has four letters: “So I just want one who respects those four letters only, nothing more or less.”
The First Lady also asked what name is given to someone who is well known for begging, with some of the responses being: “Kumbirai kukumbirisa,” “Gogogoi has come,” and “Vamujoki has come.”
Dr Mnangagwa also posed a question about what men who behave irresponsibly are called, with answers being: “Chibhurumashanga,” “Dzindipfaure” among others.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, whose speech was read by the Permanent Secretary Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa, described the First Lady as a people-centred leader whose initiatives continue to uplift communities across the province.
Minister Chadzamira said the province remained indebted to Dr Mnangagwa for numerous programmes that have brought hope and practical support, adding that the day’s activities demonstrated a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
The Minister said that Masvingo was preparing to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo courtesy of the Second Republic’s devolution thrust, saying the province would benefit from the First Lady’s experience as a champion of tourism, particularly through gastronomy initiatives and cook-out competitions that promote local culture and economic opportunities.
“We are honoured and deeply grateful that you have come to advance our development agenda. You are truly a person of the people and a beacon of hope for our province.
“As Masvingo prepares to host Sanganai/Hlanganani under the devolution programme of the Second Republic, we will draw from your experience as a champion of tourism, especially in promoting our rich gastronomy heritage,” he said.
A swarm of beneficiaries who received donations from the First Lady said the support would significantly help improve their lives.
Mrs Tinotenda Chikwinya, a recipient of baby preparation kits, expressed gratitude, saying the items would ease the burden of preparing for her newborn and give her confidence as she enters motherhood.
“The donation has given me a starting point. I am very thankful. These supplies will help me take care of my baby and prepare properly without stress.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs Shuvai Makufa, said the assistance came at the right time, saying she had been worried about how she would manage without enough support.
“This help came at an opportune time. Together with my husband, we were busy trying to save money for preparation, but this donation has come as a huge relief.”
Mrs Monica Njere also said the donations had given her a starting point and renewed hope for her family, adding that the First Lady’s intervention was both practical and motivational.
For Mrs Mary Musiki, the baby preparation items represented relief and dignity during an important stage of life.
“Thank you, Mother, for everything you have given me for my preparations. This will help me greatly. I now have confidence to deliver like any other woman.”
Elderly beneficiary Mr Patrick Moyo, carrying his grocery hampers, said it would boost his coffers, praising the First Lady’s compassion toward vulnerable people.
“I thank our First Lady for the groceries. God is good. May she continue doing this work. Our mother truly cares.”
On environmental initiatives, Mr John Chikwiriro welcomed the tree-planting programme, saying it would improve both livelihoods and the natural environment.
“Trees are good. They beautify our country and give us the air we breathe. Places with trees are the places that receive rain We are forever indebted for Her Excellency for pushing this initiative.”
Chivi Central Constituency legislator Exevia “Wezhaz” Maoneke said communities had not experienced such impactful outreach since the attainment of independence, commending the First Lady’s nationwide initiatives focused on environmental restoration through tree planting, cultural revival, and community support.
“Since 1980, we have never seen leadership connect with communities like this, reviving our environment, restoring our culture, and inspiring people to give back.”
Chief Nemauzhe also expressed gratitude for the support towards essential community priorities, particularly tree planting, which he described as the foundation of life, making environmental stewardship a sacred responsibility for present and future generations.
He encouraged the continuation of such initiatives for the benefit of the nation.
“We are grateful for the support you have brought to the things that sustain our lives. Trees are life itself; they give us food, healing, and the air we breathe. Continue walking this path our dear First Lady,” he said.
The visit highlighted the First Lady’s holistic approach of combining environmental protection, heritage preservation, and humanitarian support to uplift communities.
