First Lady honours AoHF partners with African-themed dinner

Tendai Rupapa

Senior Reporter

ANGEL OF HOPE FOUNDATION patron First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa hosted an African-themed appreciation dinner  at State House on Friday to honour the organisation’s partners for their unwavering support throughout the year.

The evening was a celebration of African heritage, with every element — from the setting to the food, drinks and music — capturing the continent’s essence.

Guests, adorned in the vibrant national fabric showcasing diverse designs, embraced the theme, fostering a profound sense of unity and belonging.

Founded by Dr Mnangagwa in 2018, Angel of Hope Foundation is a non-State-funded institution that relies on the generosity of partners and well-wishers to carry out its wide-reaching philanthropic and empowerment programmes.

These initiatives span the entire country, targeting vulnerable communities and transforming lives.

The turnout at the dinner, coupled with the overwhelming support from attendees — including some from beyond Zimbabwe’s borders — was a testament to the appreciation and recognition of the First Lady’s impactful work.

Over the years, Dr Mnangagwa has dedicated herself to improving the welfare of the most vulnerable, often venturing into remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Her hands-on approach has seen her camping in tents overnight in remote areas and initiating life-changing income-generating projects.

Beneficiaries of her efforts include orphans, widows, the elderly, people with disabilities, youths, street children and former ladies of the night.

A longstanding advocate of women’s empowerment and community development, the mother of the nation set a high standard during her tenure as a legislator for the Chirumanzu-Zibagwe constituency.

Her commitment to philanthropy and inclusivity has inspired many to support her initiatives. In all she does, she embraces everyone without favour.

Addressing guests, the First Lady thanked her husband, the President, for supporting her philanthropic work and said all she does had his blessings.

Dr Mnangagwa said it was a pleasure to share in the vibrant tapestry of Zimbabwean heritage, where every dish told a story and every flavour was a journey through the country’s rich history.

“Tonight, we highlight the symbiotic relationship between culture and gastronomy. Through the act of cooking and sharing meals, we connect with our ancestors, our communities and the diverse ethnic tapestry that makes Zimbabwe so unique.

“Today is our day to unwind, refresh and celebrate the year as it comes to an end. Please feel at home and enjoy the night,” she said.

She also thanked the foundation’s partners, saying their backing enables her to carry out her philanthropic work.

“Your support and presence are of utmost importance to me because your backing, ladies and gentlemen, enables my office, through Angel of Hope Foundation, to carry out the philanthropic work across the country,” she said.

Dr Mnangagwa said the partners had helped her feed the elderly, empower women, assist victims of gender-based violence, rescue children from the scourge of drug and substance abuse, as well as help the geographically disadvantaged communities in society.

“I would like to recognise all existing Angel of Hope Foundation partners here today and would like to take this opportunity to invite and welcome new partners who would like to join Angel of Hope Foundation. I am free to work with anyone and everyone willing to assist those in need. You are free to accompany me wherever I go so that you have a first-hand account of the work I do through Angel of Hope Foundation,” she said.

The mother of the nation invited the guests to savour the array of purely traditional dishes as they embarked on a culinary adventure that spans the length and breadth of the nation.

“The savoury delights of numerous sumptuous to the aromatic flavours of all our edible foods, and from the intricate preparation of these foods to their comforting warmth, each dish represents a piece of our cultural mosaic. These foods bring to life the traditions of the Shona, Ndebele, Tonga, Venda and many other ethnic groups, reminding us of the richness of our culinary heritage.

“We are witnessing a gastronomic renaissance that is not only about reviving traditional recipes but also about celebrating and preserving them for future generations. This renaissance is a call to embrace the flavours of our land, to support local farmers and to ensure that the knowledge of our traditional cooking methods is passed from generation to generation,” she said.

The First Lady said her commitment to this cultural revival was evident in initiatives such as the First Lady’s traditional cookout competition, where nationwide showdowns were conducted, exploring the literal melting pot bursting with a vast array of different flavours synonymous with different dialects.

“I also annually host the girls and boys camp, where young Zimbabweans are taught the importance of their heritage, including the preparation and appreciation of traditional foods. These camps empower our youth with the skills and knowledge to cherish and perpetuate their cultural identity.

“Moreover, I am steadfast in my efforts to safeguard every child’s right to a healthy, nutritious diet, free from the risks of early child marriages and other societal challenges. My advocacy has seen significant strides in ensuring that every child can enjoy childhood and focus on their education and development,” she said.

Dr Mnangagwa said it was essential to celebrate the nation’s diverse culture and the gastronomic treasures they bring.

Speaking at the same event, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi praised the First Lady for holding on to tradition and aiming for the stars.

“As you usually promise us, every end of year, Amai, you host a dinner which is hosted by Angel of Hope for its partners.

“We are thankful that you bring us together with your partners to thank them for the great work that they do. Our mother is not selective and works with everyone. Angel of Hope leaves no one and no place behind,” she said, before congratulating the First Lady for graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management at Midlands State University.

Added Minister Rwodzi: “I believe you were the first person to understand our President’s Vision 2030 of building a middle-income society by 2030. Secondly, you took upon yourself that the best strategy to attain Vision 2030 was to go to every corner of the country, leaving no one behind. You did this since way back. You, however, do not have the means to get to the people in the absence of your partners. You have partners who assist you with even the smallest thing like a pin and buttons because to the foundation, no donation is small. These are the people we are gathered for here who assist you to assist the needy.”

Delivering a vote of thanks, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe praised the First Lady for her work.

“We are proud of you, especially some of us from Mashonaland Central province. We are thankful and we also congratulate you on your graduation with a Doctor of Philosophy degree. You studied hard for this degree and went right at the top and if we add even honorary degrees, they will be so many. We are so pleased,” he said.

Traditional music was provided by Andy Muridzo, Jah Prayzah, Diana Samkange, Iyasa, the Police Band, Prince Edward Marimba Band, UZ Traditional band and Karingezuva Traditional group.