Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
PUBLIC Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Edgar Moyo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Matobo North constituency, Matabeleland South Province, yesterday, in partnership with an East Asian company, Tzu Chi Zimbabwe, donated 10 000 tonnes of mealie-meal to villagers in Manyane village.
Manyane is in Ward 13.
The donation, according to Dr Moyo, is part of efforts by the Government and the Chinese company’s efforts to alleviate food insecurity in drought-prone areas across the country.
“We received a lot of our rain late in January; the downpours were heavy over a short period of time, leading to waterlogging and as a result, the crops failed,” said Dr Moyo.
The 1 000 beneficiaries of the donation mainly comprised vulnerable households, such as child-headed families, people living with disabilities and the elderly.
“The substantial food donation represents a critical lifeline for rural communities facing persistent food insecurity. The people’s well-being is our highest priority,” Dr Moyo said during the donation.
“This partnership reflects our dedication to ensuring no family goes hungry in our constituency.”
He said the donation comes at a crucial time when many rural communities are grappling with agricultural challenges, including prolonged drought conditions.
“The mealie-meal is expected to provide immediate relief and nutritional support to hundreds of households,” he said.
A community member, Ms Siboniso Tshuma, expressed profound gratitude for the minister’s intervention.
“This donation is more than just food, it’s hope for our families, who have been struggling to make ends meet,” she said.
She said the collaborative effort between the governmental leadership and the Asian company underscores the potential of public-private partnerships in addressing social welfare challenges.
“Matobo has historically faced significant food security challenges, with limited agricultural productivity. Minister Moyo’s donation represents a targeted approach to addressing these systemic issues, providing immediate relief while potentially stimulating longer-term community development,” Ms Tshuma said.
A representative from Mrs Nosizi Ncube, stated that the organisation is committed to providing aid and support to vulnerable communities throughout Zimbabwe.
“Our mission aligns with the global Tzu Chi mission of promoting charity, medicine, education, and humanistic culture. Tzu Chi Zimbabwe’s outreach began in 2007, inspired by the work of Taiwanese businessman Ching-Chi Chu, one of the organisation’s first volunteers in the country.
Since then, we have grown into a registered Private Volunteer Organisation (PVO) in Zimbabwe,” she said.
Mrs Ncube said the company provides disaster relief.
“We have provided aid to cyclone-affected survivors, distributing blankets, bread, and clean water, and conducting fundraising campaigns. With 18 years of service, Tzu Chi Zimbabwe has a growing volunteer base with approximately 2 000 volunteers,” she said.
