Emmanuel Kafe, Senior Reporter
DIFFERENT cultures, cuisines, languages and traditions converged at the fourth Diplomatic Charity Bazaar in Harare yesterday, turning Old Georgians Sports Club into a vibrant showcase of global heritage.
But beyond the colour and celebration, the event carried a deeper message of compassion, as First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa extended a helping hand to children with disabilities, reaffirming her commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
Represented by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, the First Lady donated cash to Jairos Jiri Association and provided food and refreshments to children from the organisation who attended the event.
Through her exhibition stand, Amai’s Stand, the children were treated to an assortment of nutritious traditional foods, delicious cuisines and beverages, ensuring they were not left out of the festivities.
Minister Rwodzi also personally served food to the children, taking time away from the official tour of the exhibition stands to interact with them and make them feel part of the celebrations.
The gesture drew appreciation from Jairos Jiri Association national director Grace Kamanga, who described Dr Mnangagwa as a consistent friend of the organisation.
“I am happy and excited with what the First Lady has done. She has always been like this and nice to us. She is a great mother and for many years she has been good to us,” she said.
Representing the First Lady, Minister Rwodzi said the support reflected Dr Mnangagwa’s longstanding commitment to improving the welfare of disadvantaged communities.
“The First Lady has been doing a lot of work.
“We have seen charitable projects that are being done by the Angel of Hope Foundation, and it is the nature of what our First Lady has always been doing since 2017, when she became the First Lady,” she said.
“She started with charitable projects. She started ensuring health for those who are marginalised or less privileged.”
The children were not merely recipients of assistance but active participants in the occasion.
In a dedicated children’s corner, those with disabilities showcased their artistic abilities through drawings while interacting with other children and enjoying the performances.
The scene captured the spirit of inclusion that organisers sought to promote, giving the children an opportunity to express themselves and participate in an event that brought together people from different backgrounds.
Away from the charity work, the bazaar transformed the venue into a colourful cultural marketplace, with 26 embassies and other partners displaying their countries’ traditions, cuisine, handicrafts, souvenirs and national attire.
From Greece, Germany and Namibia to Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Russia, India, Pakistan and Belarus, visitors were treated to an international culinary and cultural experience.
Zimbabwe also showcased its traditional recipes and cultural heritage, with the gastronomy stands offering a taste of the country’s rich food traditions.
Minister Rwodzi toured the exhibition stands, sampling different cuisines, interacting with diplomats and their families, and exploring the cultural displays.
She later joined other guests on the dance floor as music groups, traditional dance performances and a modelling show kept the audience entertained throughout the day.
However, behind the colour, music and food was a fundraising drive aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people across Zimbabwe.
Diplomatic Spouses Association of Zimbabwe president Mrs Mirjana Grujic said the annual bazaar was an important platform for mobilising resources for charitable organisations and community projects.
“Very important is to announce that all proceeds from the bazaar will go towards supporting various charitable projects across Zimbabwe. This year, we already realised four projects and, in parallel, we focused on helping our charity organisations with donations and monthly supplies,” she said.
Mrs Grujic said this year’s edition attracted the highest number of participating embassies since the bazaar began, reflecting growing support for the initiative.
Last year, 23 embassies participated.
She said the association’s work went beyond distributing donations, as it also invited children from beneficiary organisations to attend the bazaar and enjoy the activities.
“I am very satisfied that today all those children whom we are supporting in our charity organisations are here to mingle with other children and enjoy with them,” she said.
Mrs Grujic said the growing support from embassies, sponsors, vendors and other partners was enabling the association to reach more people and improve the lives of vulnerable children.
