Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa-Herald Reporter
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has distributed thousands of chicks, chicken feed, and stress packs to female police officers as part of her unwavering commitment to uplifting women, supporting their welfare, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
The empowerment advocate, Dr Mnangagwa, sparked wild celebrations among the female officers as she launched a poultry project aimed at boosting productivity and providing diverse income streams.
Laughter, music, and dance filled the air at Tomlinson Depot, in Harare on Thursday as beaming officers, some in uniform, joyfully received chicks, feed and stress packs.
Sergeant Nothando Nsimba added flair to the occasion by paying tribute to the First Lady through poetry.
Speaking during the handover of 4 000 chicks, chicken feed, and stress packs, Dr Mnangagwa, herself an avid farmer, expressed joy at meeting women serving in the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
“I have worked with women in the uniformed forces before, and consequently, I have brought 2 000 chickens. Next Thursday, another batch of 2 000 chicks will be delivered to kick-start the poultry project for our remarkable female officers in the Law and Order and Criminal Investigation Departments,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said for her and her office, the empowerment of women is not just a priority, it is a deeply held commitment.
“I believe that when you empower a woman, you empower a family, a community, and ultimately, a nation.
Angel of Hope Foundation patron First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa hands over thousands of chicks, feed and stress packs to female police officers for them to start poultry projects to economically empower them in Harare on Thursday. — Pictures: John Manzongo.
“A community that supports women is the cornerstone of true liberation. It provides not only financial stability, but also dignity, confidence, and the ability to make choices that affect lives,” she said.
The First Lady said women, once underrepresented in many spheres, including law enforcement, are now indispensable.
“This project is an opportunity for each of you to cultivate an additional income stream, diversify your household economy, and build a national legacy,” she said.
“This donation is a recognition that your commitment should be matched with opportunities for personal and financial growth. My wish is for you to thrive in your professional duties and your personal lives.”
Dr Mnangagwa encouraged the officers to learn, collaborate, and grow together.
“This project reflects my belief in your capacity for innovation and success. I hope it becomes a stepping stone to greater achievements.
Angel of Hope Foundation patron First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa hands over thousands of chicks, feed and stress packs to female police officers for them to start poultry projects to economically empower them in Harare on Thursday.
“A stream of initiatives should follow, demonstrating that in Zimbabwe, women are not just participants, but leaders, innovators, and vanguards of our nation,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also commended the police for their role in maintaining peace and stability.
“Your professionalism and unwavering commitment to justice allow our nation to stand firmly on the pillars of democracy and good governance.
“You are the guardians of peace, the upholders of justice, and the embodiment of the rule of law. The Law Enforcement Department and CID are central to maintaining stability and security in our beloved country,” she said.
“Your efforts to ensure citizens uphold the Constitution make our communities safer for our children to grow, for businesses to thrive, and for our nation to prosper. The significance of your role in upholding integrity cannot be overstated.”
Dr Mnangagwa added: “In your hands lies the power to inspire justice, deter crime, and uphold fairness. You are a beacon of conviction and a force against those who threaten our societal fabric.”
Through her Angel of Hope Foundation, Dr Mnangagwa has actively empowered communities across Zimbabwe with poultry and feed donations.
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa joins female police officers on the dance floor as they celebrated the chicks she donated to them in Harare.
These initiatives aim to enhance food security, promote self-sufficiency, and uplift vulnerable groups, including women, youths, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba, represented by Commissioner Abigail Moyo, expressed gratitude for Dr Mnangagwa’s dedication to community empowerment, describing her commitment as truly inspiring.
“These chicks are more than a donation. They symbolise opportunity, resilience, and the nurturing spirit passionately championed by the First Lady.
“They will help women within the Zimbabwe Republic Police network to establish sustainable ventures, improving economic standing and fostering self-reliance,” he said.
Comm-Gen Mutamba also congratulated the First Lady on being named Zimbabwe’s Cultural Ambassador, in recognition of her unparalleled work in preserving national heritage.
“This honour reflects your passion for promoting our rich cultural traditions. Initiatives such as Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba, Nharirire Yemusha, and Afrikana Family Humanism have safeguarded customs while reinforcing national pride and identity,” he said.
Comm-Gen Mutamba added that the First Lady also spearheaded the creation of the National Fabric, a patriotic textile symbolising unity and heritage.
“This fabric visually represents Zimbabwe’s cultural depth, reminding us of the need to preserve and honour our identity.
“Women have been vital in this preservation, embedding the spirit of Ubuntu across generations, championing compassion, respect, and interconnectedness.”
Female police officers are all smiles after they received chicks and feed from Angel of Hope Foundation patron First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in Harare on Thursday.
Comm-Gen Mutamba highlighted the role of women in ceremonies, rites of passage, and moral teachings, noting that these contributions shape a nation built on dignity and harmony.
Comm Evelyn Taurai Phillip also praised the First Lady’s visionary leadership, describing it as a guiding beacon.
Grateful beneficiaries celebrated with song and dance, with Detective Sergeant Beauty Chinyama saying she was overjoyed by the donation.
“We are truly grateful. These inputs will help us start poultry projects to support our families and supplement our incomes,” she said.
“She has truly empowered us. I feel dignified. This will ensure food security at the household level. Thank you, Dr Mnangagwa, we truly feel we have a mother figure. We will show the fruits of this wonderful initiative.”
Constable Kudzai Mugobo added: “Sometimes we want to do more but lack the resources. The First Lady has given us the tools and confidence to begin.
“I want to express my gratitude to Dr Mnangagwa for recognising us as female police officers and providing constant support.”
Sergeant Ever Gumula said interacting with the First Lady was a great honour.
“I am grateful that she took the time to be with us and provide chicks, feed, and stress packs to help us become entrepreneurs.
“We appreciate her efforts and hope she continues with this nationwide initiative,” she said.
Sergeant Nyaradzai Mazodze thanked Dr Mnangagwa for championing women’s empowerment.
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa is hugged by female police officers who could not hide their excitement after she donated chicks and feed to them in Harare.
“This will enable us to be self-reliant and better provide for our families,” she said. Another beneficiary, Martha Gandi, said the input costs can be a significant barrier.
“With this help, we can focus on production rather than sourcing resources,” she said.
“What the First Lady has done goes beyond donation, she has shown belief in our potential.
“That means everything.”
The event was attended by officers from various provinces, including Mashonaland West, East, and Central, all of whom benefited from the gesture.
Through the Angel of Hope Foundation, Dr Mnangagwa has transformed women’s lives across all ten provinces, launching income-generating projects.
Among them is the Poultry4 Vanambuya Empowerment Scheme, which distributes free-range chickens to elderly women.
The breeds Boschveld, Sussex, and Koekoek are sourced from Dr Mnangagwa’s own fowl runs.
Dr Mnangagwa has also been spearheading poultry projects in other provinces, targeting women and youths who have been receiving broiler chicks, stress packs, and feed to foster entrepreneurship and community development.
There has also been the First Lady’s Widows Association initiative, where thousands of chicks, along with necessary feed, have been distributed.
The initiative also provided groceries to help start small shops, fostering entrepreneurship and financial stability among widows.
In Glen View, Harare, visually impaired families have also benefited from the First Lady’s generosity, receiving day-old broiler chicks and feed, offering them a sustainable livelihood alternative to begging, thereby improving their quality of life and reducing exposure to urban hazards.
These programmes demonstrate Dr Mnangagwa’s commitment to empowering marginalised groups through sustainable agriculture, aligning with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goals.
