Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo has made a clarion call for everyone to recognise the invaluable contributions of the elderly in society.
Advocate Ndudzo made the call in a speech read on his behalf by Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Mr Tavabarira Kutamahufa, during the LC Nechombo Old People’s Day held in Makaha area in Mudzi recently.
The event, which is now being done annually, brings together the elderly under Chief Nechombo’s jurisdiction, where they are given gifts as a way of appreciating their role in society.
This year’s edition saw 714 elderly people receive food hampers as well as blankets.
Since its inception 10 years ago, LC Nechombo Old People’s Day has grown from just benefiting 100 people to more than 700.
The event always begin with a session of Nhanga/Gota where the youth will be taught cultural values by either a traditional leader or an elderly person from the local community.
Various traditional groups will be entertaining the crowd.
In his remarks, Advocate Ndudzo saluted the elderly people for their role in imparting critical knowledge to the next generation, adding that the elderly are fountains of indigenous knowledge.
“We are gathered to celebrate a culturally grounded and deeply meaningful initiative by Senator Dr Chief Nechombo, a programme that recognises, celebrates, and honours the elderly members of the Nechombo community and beyond,” Adv Ndudzo said.
“Today, we join the global community in commemorating the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, observed annually on October 1.”
This year’s global theme, ‘The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,’ serves as a powerful call to action. It urges us to recognise the resilience and invaluable contributions of our elders and to enhance their social protection and dignity.
“In our rich African culture, our elders are not a burden; they are our living libraries and fountains of indigenous knowledge. You, Vana Sekuru naVanambuya, are the custodians of our history, our wisdom, our liberation struggle, and our cherished cultural values of Unhu/Ubuntu. You tilled this land, you raised us, and you fought for the independence we enjoy today.”
Adv Ndudzo said the Second Republic, under the visionary leadership of President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, will never forget the sacrifices made by the elderly.
He said a nation that does not honour its elders has lost its future.
Advocate Ndudzo also said the celebration is a powerful testament to the spirit of unity that binds Zimbabweans as a people.
“It is unity across generations, where the young honour the old; unity within our communities, where we gather to support one another; and unity of purpose, as we work together to build a prosperous and caring society,” he said.
“This is the essence of true traditional leadership, leadership that cares for its people, fostering compassion and reinforcing the bonds that make us a strong and united community.”
Adv Ndudzo commended Chief Nechombo for organising the auspicious event, where beneficiaries received blankets and grocery hampers, adding that the gesture contributes significantly to the Government’s Social Protection Agenda.
“Traditionally, a blanket represents more than just warmth; it symbolises love, gratitude, respect, and honour for our parents and elders,” he said.
Senator Nechombo said the LC Nechombo Old People’s Day will continue to be held annually.
“We have been doing this event for the past 10 years and we will continue doing it. This event is done to remember the elderly in our community, where we remind each other that our parents are precious and we should value their contributions to society,” he said.
“Our aim to gather here with them like this is to have a good time together, discussing critical issues and sharing the small gifts that we have.
“So today we gave them groceries and blankets. In our culture, it is a sign of respect to give our parents blankets. So we are doing this to show that we love them.”
He said that when the programme started, they only managed to give gifts to 100 beneficiaries, but the number has grown to 714 beneficiaries this year.
“We are not doing this as the Nechombo family we are being supported by the Government as well as other private partners, and I want to thank all who made contributions towards this cause.”
Senator Nechombo challenged every child to be there for their parents and ensure their living conditions are improved.
He also appealed to the youth to shun drug and substance abuse.
Provincial Social Development Officer Ms Memory Mushawasha, who was represented by Mr Tendai Sedze, Social Development Officer for Mudzi District, said they will continue working with other Government departments to ensure the elderly are take care of.
“As Government, we recognise the elderly for their valuable contributions to society. Their rights should always be respected,” she said.
“As the Department of Social Development, we continue working closely with other Government departments as well as private partners to transform the living conditions of the vulnerable in society. We have several ongoing programmes aimed at assisting the elderly.”
Mr Bhaindi Torotoro (87), from Mudzi, applauded everyone who made the event a success.
Ms Clara Zirara (84) who was all smiles, as she received her hamper and blanket said she will pray for all those who extended a hand to make the event a success.
with groceries and a blanket. And we are going to be fed again here. We are thankful.”
Those who benefited were from the age of 66 and older, with the oldest being 111 years.
