Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Reporter
Environment Patron, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, yesterday said the National Clean-Up Campaign goes beyond sweeping streets, urging Zimbabweans to adopt cleanliness, discipline and collective responsibility as daily values.
Dr Mnangagwa, who is also Zanu PF Secretary for Environment, reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to promoting environmental stewardship, saying clean and well-managed surroundings are central to Zimbabwe’s development agenda under Vision 2030.
The First Lady said this during a massive clean-up campaign held along First Street Mall in Harare yesterday, which drew participation from Government departments, the private sector, civil society and community members. In a speech read on her behalf by Director Infrastructure, Planning and Environmental Management in the Office of Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ministry, Engineer Timothy Rukuni, the First Lady said the clean-up campaign was a practical demonstration of collective responsibility and national unity, rather than a symbolic exercise.
“The National Clean-Up Campaign is not a once-off activity; it is a culture we are nurturing, a culture of cleanliness, order, discipline and shared ownership of public spaces,” she said.
“I am encouraged by the strong turnout from Government, the private sector, civil society and our communities. Your presence reflects our shared commitment to building a cleaner, healthier and more dignified Zimbabwe.”
The Environment Patron urged young people to embrace environmental stewardship as a way of life, saying small daily actions could bring lasting change when multiplied across communities.
Dr Mnangagwa said her role as Environment Patron underscored the importance the nation places on environmental stewardship as a key pillar of sustainable development. “As we journey towards Vision 2030, our aspiration of becoming an upper middle-income society must be anchored on clean, safe and well-managed environments.
“Development cannot thrive where there is pollution, disorder and neglect,” she said. Mother Zimbabwe said clean surroundings promote public health, restore civic pride and create welcoming spaces for business, tourism and community life.
As for the City of Harare, the First Lady said it carried a special responsibility as the capital city and the face of the nation.
“What we do here sends a powerful message across Zimbabwe and beyond,” Dr Mnangagwa said. The First Lady called on all sectors, including businesses, transport operators, vendors, faith-based organisations and residents, to remain active partners in maintaining clean communities.
“Let us keep our streets clean, clear our storm drains, discourage illegal dumping and work closely with our local authorities to maintain litter-free communities,” she said.
The country’s Environment Patron, Dr Mnangagwa, said a clean environment was critical in preventing diseases and safeguarding public health.
“A clean and safe environment is the foundation of healthy communities and sustainable development. This campaign is about protecting lives and ensuring dignity for our people,” she said. Zanu-PF Harare Province Secretary for Environmental and Tourism, Cde Donald Chimatira, hailed the First Lady’s leadership, saying it had galvanised communities to take responsibility for their surroundings.
“This initiative by Dr Mnangagwa has transformed attitudes towards cleanliness and environmental care.
“People now understand that a clean environment is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. A participant, Apostle Isiah Zhanje of the Johanne Marange and Pentecostal Church, urged citizens to uphold cleanliness as a moral and social duty.
“As churches, we support this noble cause because cleanliness speaks to dignity, health and respect for God’s creation,” he said.
Mr Ronny Mbaisa pledged to remain committed to supporting national environmental initiatives. “Environmental protection goes hand in hand with economic growth.
“Clean cities attract investment and tourism, and we are proud to be part of this programme,” he said. Traders operating along the street also joined the clean-up, saying the campaign had inspired them to maintain cleanliness in their workspaces.
Zanu-PF Harare Central District Women’s League member, Mrs Danai Ndlovu, said the First Lady’s hands – on approach had motivated many women to take a leading role in keeping their communities clean.
“Seeing Dr Mnangagwa champion this cause inspires us as women to protect our environment for our families and future generations,” she said.
The National Clean-Up Campaign has become a regular feature across the country, with Dr Mnangagwa having led similar initiatives in other provinces as part of a sustained drive to promote environmental responsibility, public health and national pride.
The clean-up campaign attracted strong support from various organisations, including the Environmental Management Agency, Harare City Council, Geo Pomona Waste Management, Government officials, Zanu-PF members and private companies.
