Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
THE Government, through its partnership with Tzu Chi Foundation, has distributed 500 x 10‑kilogramme bags of rice to vulnerable communities in Harare’s Kuwadzana suburb.
The initiative, held at Kuwadzana 8 Primary School, targets widows, orphans, the disabled, and the less privileged, underscoring the impact of sustained collaboration between State and civic partners towards the attainment of Vision2030.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on Thursday, Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Senator Charles Tawengwa said Government programmes often face resource constraints, but partnerships ensure continuity.
“We have a database of programmes across Harare province, but sometimes a lack of funding stalls them,” he said.
“I am glad that, with Tzu Chi, we have been able to roll out rice distributions almost annually.”
Senator Tawengwa said Kuwadzana holds special significance, with aid extending beyond the clinic to different wards.
“Kuwadzana is close to our hearts and beyond the maternity ward project opposite this school, we extend assistance to peripheral wards,” he said.
“I want to appreciate and thank Tzu Chi for cementing this relationship with the Government of Zimbabwe.”
The distribution reflects a broader humanitarian relationship between Zimbabwe and the Taiwan‑based Tzu Chi Foundation, which has consistently supported communities in Harare with food aid and infrastructure projects.
Tzu Chi Foundation director Ms Chao-chin Lee said Tzu Chi’s food aid targets the most vulnerable groups in society.
“We brought 500 bags of rice to distribute to widows, orphans, the disabled, and the less privileged in Kuwadzana. Today we come here at Kuwadzana 8 Council Primary, distributing 500 bags of rice,” she said.
Senator Tawengwa said beyond food, the foundation invests in water supply and infrastructure to uplift communities.
“We also find water wells, repair water wells, and then we also work on the water supply and the distribution of water. We represent the water supply here to help everyone,” she said.
A beneficiary from Kuwadzana extension Mrs Sarah Fungayi said the charity work from the Government and Tzu Chi has sustained lives from poverty.
“We are really thankful for charity work from the Government and Tzu Chi, which has lifted lives from poverty,” she said.
“This rice distribution is a blessing for widows and orphans like us, helping us survive in difficult times.”
