Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
CYNARA Dairy Hub in Mutasa has become a shining example of how Government-backed financial support, provided through the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank, is positively transforming rural livelihoods.
Speaking during a meeting of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development today, beneficiaries of the loan facility shared inspiring stories of growth and self-reliance.
They credited their improved lifestyles to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s commitment to inclusive empowerment.
Mr Steven Piwa, a dairy farmer at the hub, said he never imagined owning an in-calf heifer until he secured a loan from the bank.
“With this loan, I expanded my herd and improved my milk output. I am grateful to the Government for believing in small farmers like us,” he said.
Youth beneficiary, Mr Jacob Kugona echoed the same gratitude.
“This loan helped me start something of my own. Now I see a future in dairy farming, and I am no longer just looking for jobs – but creating opportunities,” he said.
Ms Pauline Mukome, another recipient, said women in her community had long been sidelined due to a lack of access to funding.
“Thanks to the bank, we now have hope. We can run projects and support our families,” she said.
Committee chairperson, Honourable Getrude Mutandi, said the success stories are proof of President Mnangagwa’s vision of building a self-reliant and empowered rural economy.
“This is what Vision 2030 looks like at the grassroots level. The government’s commitment to leaving no one and no place behind continues to shine as a beacon of hope for rural women,” she said.
Honourable Mutandi said as the nation edges closer to achieving Vision 2030, initiatives like the ZWMB are proving to be vital building blocks in lifting communities out of poverty, particularly for women and youths.
The portfolio committee was conducting verification visits and public consultations to assess the accessibility and visibility of the bank to rural, young, and disabled women.
Online Reporter