Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa-Senior Reporter
THE sprawling Mega Grounds in Stoneridge, Harare, turned into a sea of humanity last Wednesday as scores of people from Harare South and surrounding communities converged for an interactive engagement with First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, in a strong show of growing public confidence in her people-centred initiatives.
Although the engagement had initially been set aside for the elderly, the overwhelming turnout underscored the wide appeal of Dr Mnangagwa’s inclusive approach, which continues to place community engagement at the heart of social development.
The interface offered residents a rare platform to openly raise and discuss social challenges affecting families and communities.
Marriage breakdowns emerged as one of the dominant concerns, with participants attributing much of the strain to the abuse of the illicit alcoholic brew commonly known as tumbwa, which they said is fuelling domestic disputes, neglect and family disintegration.
In candid testimonies, several men also shared experiences of physical abuse in their homes, highlighting that gender-based violence affects both women and men and requires collective community action.
Participants further commended the 575 Call Centre, launched by the First Lady in 2021, describing it as a vital lifeline for survivors of gender-based violence through counselling, referrals and emergency support.
The atmosphere also turned celebratory as attendees took part in sporting activities spearheaded by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, designed to promote healthy living, physical fitness and social cohesion.
Laughter echoed across the grounds as the elderly engaged in apple-eating contests, egg races and tug-of-war competitions, while five-a-side football matches involving both men and women added to the excitement, reinforcing the First Lady’s belief that wellness extends beyond healthcare to active lifestyles and community interaction.
In her true spirit of sharing, Dr Mnangagwa personally distributed food hampers to everyone who attended the gathering, including the elderly, persons with disabilities and child-headed families.
Addressing the huge crowds, the First Lady urged women to become architects of stronger families by promoting First Lady leads highly interactive engagement on family unity, social development
dialogue, mutual respect and shared responsibility within households.
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa assists an elderly woman who is struggling to stand during a highly interactive engagement on family unity at Mega Grounds in Stoneridge, Harare.
“Mothers, let us remain strong and steadfast. Let us fight battles that we cannot win with our hands, but with wisdom, hard work, reconciliation and genuine love, for true love has the power to overcome even foolishness.
“To all women, I urge you to remain courageous and stand firm as mothers. Never lose hope, because the strength of the family begins with you,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also encouraged communities to establish zonal support groups where families can exchange ideas, resolve disputes peacefully and work together to restore values that strengthen society.
The First Lady condemned the scourge of drug and substance abuse, saying it was wreaking havoc on individuals, families and the nation at large.
Dr Mnangagwa urged men to shun drugs, stressing that substances such as mutoriro, mbanje and other intoxicants do not prove manhood. Instead, she said, they strip men of their dignity and lead them to behave in ways that fall short of the discipline, character and responsibility expected of them.
The First Lady led a highly interactive session in which she asked participants what they believed were the main causes of marriage breakdowns today compared to the past.
Among the responses that left the audience in stitches was the issue of alcohol abuse by some men.
“Our men are now drinking illicit brews, tumbwa. When they drink tumbwa and become intoxicated, they become aggressive like dogs, neglect their responsibilities and are no longer able to provide for or support their families effectively.”
Another participant said: “Some men return home heavily intoxicated and sleep wherever they fall, even urinating on themselves, sometimes in unhygienic conditions. They wake up suffering from exposure to the cold and the consequences of excessive drinking.”
One woman also said: “Sometimes our husbands do not give us money even for personal needs. Even simple requests, such as money to have our hair done, are viewed as unnecessary. You may even be accused of wanting to be promiscuous.”
Men also shared their perspectives. “We are suffering in silence because, in many cases, women no longer respect us, especially after becoming financially independent. Respect within marriages is declining, leading to conflict and instability in the home.”
Another added, drawing laughter from the audience: “When a man is broke, his wife sleeps wearing overalls. But when he comes home with a piece of meat, he is welcomed like a king. Sometimes our wives’ attitudes push us away, making us prefer watching football matches at bars.”
One also said: “There is concern that some women now prioritise pleasure, braais and drinking alcohol over family responsibilities. In the end, we will all be drunk.”
Lust and infidelity were also cited as major contributors to the breakdown of marriages, “Many marriages begin with love, but over time some spouses lose appreciation for one another. Some men begin to admire other women instead of valuing their wives, weakening family relationships.”
Another participant said: “Our men are lustful. If they see a woman with attractive hips, they lose control. Also, when couples no longer spend intimate time together, the marriage begins to collapse.”
Family interference was also singled out as a cause of marital disputes.
“Our mothers-in-law are also contributing to the collapse of our marriages. Instead of referring issues to aunts, who traditionally help resolve marital problems, they want to personally handle our marital matters.”
Many beneficiaries became visibly emotional as Dr Mnangagwa personally assisted elderly recipients who struggled to walk or carry their food parcels, reflecting the hands-on approach that has become synonymous with her outreach programmes.
Recipients described the gesture as a reflection of genuine care, saying the First Lady continues to stand with the vulnerable.
One of the elderly beneficiaries, Granny Eunice Chinhengo, said she was overwhelmed with gratitude, adding that apart from receiving complimentary food hampers, participants had benefited from wellness sessions that promoted healthy living, strengthened marriages, preserved cultural values and encouraged social interaction.
Elderly women take part in a tug of war at Mega Grounds in Stoneridge, Harare.
“We were taught the importance of healthy living, good manners, our culture and traditions, and how to strengthen our families. We also took part in various wellness games, including the egg race, apple-eating competition, tug of war and soccer, which brought us together and filled us with joy.
“We are very happy with what our mother has done for us today. We never imagined we would experience something like this. We are truly grateful,” she said.
Another elderly beneficiary, Mr Samson Ngundu, said the First Lady’s programmes had brought hope to communities by embracing everyone without discrimination, adding that her passion was to see every Zimbabwean prosper.
“I am more than happy to have spent time with our First Lady as she taught us before presenting each participant with food hampers. She treats everyone equally, regardless of their background. She genuinely loves everyone and wants every person to succeed,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Mr Blessings Mhembere, described the occasion as a dream come true, saying meeting the First Lady had brought him immense joy.
“Despite the First Lady’s busy schedule, she always finds time to interact with us, the vulnerable. We learnt valuable lessons on how to keep our marriages intact, including respecting one another,” he said.
Mrs Paidamoyo Zendera said she had never expected to receive such support, adding that the First Lady’s gesture had renewed hope among many vulnerable people.
“I never expected anything like this. I came expecting the usual programme, but ended up returning home with groceries. I am extremely happy. Today’s gesture has renewed my hope,” she said.
Representing the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Provincial Affairs Coordinator Mrs Catherine Kampila praised Dr Mnangagwa for consistently complementing Government efforts through programmes that uplift disadvantaged communities and strengthen social welfare.
Women play soccer during First Lady’s interactive engagement at Mega Grounds.
“We are always happy to be with you. When we gather like this, we know that wherever you come, there is always something good that we learn from your visit,” she said.
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume thanked the First Lady for hosting a programme that he said had been well received by the community, describing it as inclusive and non-partisan, with everyone benefiting regardless of political affiliation.
“We want to thank the First Lady. People are satisfied because everyone received assistance without any political considerations. This reflects her commitment to caring for all Zimbabwean families.
“It is also encouraging to see recreational activities being incorporated, as they promote healthy living and remind people of the importance of keeping fit,” he said.
Over the years, the First Lady has built a nationwide network of community empowerment initiatives focusing on health promotion, nutrition, women and youth empowerment, support for the elderly, persons with disabilities and child-headed families, ensuring that no one is left behind as Zimbabwe advances towards an inclusive and prosperous future.
