Government rolls out piglet pass‑on scheme to support vulnerable groups

The piglets donated by Environment Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu

ECONOMIC empowerment through pig husbandry is gaining traction in Matabeleland South Province following the distribution of piglets under a pass-on scheme designed to create livelihoods and promote self-sufficiency among vulnerable groups.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, who is also Zanu-PF National Secretary for Local Government and National Housing in the Women’s League. The programme aligns with President Mnangagwa’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.

Under the scheme, 10 piglets have been distributed across the province, with each beneficiary receiving one male and one female piglet to support breeding and sustainability.

Beneficiaries of the programme include Bulilima Women’s League (Bambadzi Party District), the Matabeleland South Widows Association and the Children of Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association (CZLWVA).

Dr Ndlovu recently handed over a breeding pair to CZLWVA Matabeleland South Province, saying the strategic donation is aimed at establishing a sustainable piggery reproduction programme that will benefit communities across the province.

“Today marks another step forward in our collective journey of empowerment. It gives me great pleasure to hand over these piglets for reproduction to the Children of War Veterans. Under the astute leadership of the President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, Cde. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, Vision 2030 is inevitable — a reality of an upper middle income society. This donation is a practical expression of that vision.

“Empowerment of youth and those in need is now a cornerstone of our national agenda. We are guided by the Presidential mantra that no one and no place will be left behind. Through projects like this, we are building self-sufficiency, creating livelihoods, and ensuring that the children of those who liberated this country become key players in building its prosperity. Let us nurture these piglets not just as livestock, but as seeds of economic transformation for our communities,” said Dr Ndlovu.

CZLWVA Matabeleland South Provincial Chairman Cde Bolsheviks Ndlovu expressed gratitude for the Minister’s support, saying the intervention would have a lasting impact on the lives of war veterans’ children.

“On behalf of CZLWVA Matabeleland South province, I would like to express my appreciation for recognising us as your children. Sons and daughters of freedom fighters who liberated this country. The piggery projects, initiated with this crucial breeding stock, will go a long way in empowering the needy throughout the entire province. This initiative stands as a beacon of practical empowerment, marking direct and tangible support received by the association,” said Cde Ndlovu.

The breeding piglets were handed over to key provincial and district representatives, including Cde Ndlovu, CZLWVA Bulilima Chairman Cde Linda Moyo and Mangwe representative Emmanuel Makoha.

The project’s operational base will be located at Hebron in Plumtree town, where the initial breeding pair will be housed.

Cde Ndlovu said the programme would be implemented through a collaborative district-based approach, with other districts contributing towards feed and medication for the animals.

“The piglets, born on February 14, 2026, are expected to reach breeding maturity within six months. After this, their offspring will be distributed across the province through district chairpersons, ensuring that the empowerment reaches a broad spectrum of beneficiaries.

“Each district is tasked with forming dedicated piggery committees to manage contributions for the upkeep of the livestock and the expansion of the programme. Comprehensive guidance on pig husbandry has been provided to the association, ensuring the successful management and growth of the breeding programme,” said Cde Ndlovu.

He said the donation should be viewed as a long-term investment rather than a once-off handout, aimed at promoting economic independence among the children of liberation war veterans in Matabeleland South Province.

“We appreciate your efforts in empowering children of war veterans.

This project is anticipated to foster hope, self-sufficiency, and sustainable development within the community, thanks to the Minister’s impactful intervention. As Matabeleland South and the nation at large gears towards

Independence celebrations, Vision 2030 and CAB#3 are all inevitable as no one and no place will be left behind,” said Cde Ndlovu.
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