Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
CHIEFS from Mashonaland East Province have donated five tonnes of maize to the Government, following a successful provincial Zunde RaMambo programme.
The provincial Zunde raMambo initiative is where traditional leaders in Mashonaland East mobilise inputs and do the planting as well as harvesting, with the proceeds being shared equally among the chiefs.
This year, they harvested about 10 tonnes of maize and decided to donate half of it to the Government.
Mashonaland East provincial Chiefs’ Council chairman, Senator Nechombo on Monday led other Chiefs to Murehwa Grain Marketing Board, where they handed over the donation.
Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, who received the grain on behalf of the Government, commended the traditional leaders for the gesture.
“We are appreciative of the excellent gesture by our traditional leaders here in Mashonaland East Province who have taken their resources through the Nhimbe yaMambo project,” he said
“What they have done is amazing. They made contributions in terms of inputs and they handed over this to the care and trust of Mambo Svosve waGahadza, who had availed land for that purpose,” Advocate Ndudzo said.
“They had a good harvest of 10 tonnes of maize and now they have donated five tonnes to the Government.
“We received the donation, which we have put under the care and trust of the GMB. We are so grateful for this gesture and the excellent leadership demonstrated by the Chiefs under the leadership of Chief Nechombo.”
He said the gesture profoundly demonstrates true leadership by the traditional leaders.
Local Government and Public Works deputy Minister Albert Mavunga also applauded the Chiefs from Mashonaland East for the donation, adding that his wish is for the programme to be carried out in other provinces.
“I want to commend traditional leaders under Chief Nechombo from this province for a job well done,” he said.
“President Mnangagwa is on record saying Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo and what we are witnessing here is a true reflection of that.”
Chief Senator Nechombo said they felt it prudent to donate to the Government, contributing to the national reserves.
“Today, under the Nhimbe yeRugare programme, we are donating the maize grain to the Government so that we also play a role in feeding the nation. We are happy as traditional leaders because we are making a difference in society. We are hopeful that this programme will continue,” he said.
