Online Reporter
Nyasha Chawatama
Post Reporter
AN elderly family in Kuhudzai Village, Ward 35, under Chief Zimunya in Mutare South Constituency received a newly built house from philanthropist, Mr Farai Majeche, popularly known as Madzibaba Deminase, of Johane Masowe EChishanu.
The house was officially handed over to the Samhiri family recently, after Madzibaba Deminase pledged to assist the family following a visit by the elderly woman, Mrs Violet Samhiri to his shrine, seeking divine healing for her painful legs.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mbuya Samhiri expressed heartfelt gratitude to Madzibaba Deminase and members of the Johane Masowe EChishanu Church for the support extended to her family.
“I would like to thank Madzibaba and the church for this beautiful house you have built for me and my family. I have never seen such kindness in my life since I was born,” said Mbuya Samhiri.
Addressing congregants and community members, Madzibaba Deminase encouraged congregants from different apostolic churches to play a leading role in supporting the elderly and vulnerable people within communities.
“We are praying for our nation so that we can continue building and developing our communities through helping elderly people. Today, I handed over this house to the Samhiri family, and with the little we have, let us continue supporting them so that they can have a better life,” he said, adding that assisting vulnerable families aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s development mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
The local community applauded Madzibaba Deminase for his philanthropic gesture, describing it as a rare act of compassion. Headman Denise Nyakunu praised the apostolic church for supporting the underprivileged family and bringing positive development to the area.
“It is my first time witnessing such a gesture in our community, and I am very happy about it. This kind of development is important because it uplifts people’s livelihoods. Some people used to laugh at Mbuya Samhiri, and feared that the roof of her old house would collapse on the family. However, God answered her prayers. Let us not look down upon others, but instead show love, unity and support so that everyone can live a better life,” said Headman Nyakunu.
Mbuya Samhiri narrated how she first met Madzibaba Deminase.
“I was invited together with other elderly women from the village to attend prayers at his shrine. Madzibaba Deminase extended the invitation to us. During the gathering, he called me, and asked what I wanted him to do for me. I told him to pray for my painful legs, but he insisted, and asked what else I wanted apart from prayers. I then told him that I wanted my cracked house repaired,” she said.
Following the encounter, Madzibaba Deminase visited Mbuya Samhiri’s homestead to assess the condition of her house. After seeing the dilapidated structure, he decided that repairing it would not be sufficient, and instead pledged to build a new three-roomed house, including a toilet.
“When I visited Mbuya Samhiri’s house, I was not satisfied with its condition. I told her that I would build a new three-roomed house because the old one could no longer be repaired. I also promised to build a toilet. I am not related to Mbuya Samhiri. She is simply someone I met through prayers at our shrine, and I have fulfilled the promise I made to her,” added Madzibaba Deminase.
