Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
Government has rolled out food aid to elderly citizens and other vulnerable groups in Gokwe South under its social protection programme aimed at enhancing food and nutritional security.
Under the Second Republic’s social safety net initiatives, vulnerable households, including orphans, senior citizens and other disadvantaged members of the community, received food hampers containing mealie-meal, cooking oil, sugar and other basic commodities.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube handed over the food hampers and said Government remained committed to supporting vulnerable families and improving food and nutritional security.
“Government will continue distributing food to vulnerable people while farming is still ongoing,” he said.
“The programme came at a critical time to provide immediate food security to those grappling with the effects of drought, ensuring families have access to essentials during these difficult times.”
Minister Ncube commended the work being done by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa through programmes that continue to transform lives by supporting the elderly, widows, orphans and drug rehabilitation centres.
“She also champions health outreach programmes, nutrition gardens, vocational skills training for women and youth, and the Angel of Hope Foundation initiatives that are restoring dignity and giving hope to vulnerable communities across the country,” he said.
The Minister also thanked the people of Gokwe South District for supporting Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, which is now law.
He said the amendment strengthens governance, promotes stability and creates an enabling environment for development, investment and service delivery in line with the Second Republic’s vision.
“The donation brings direct relief to vulnerable elderly citizens and cushions households against rising living costs,” he said.
“It upholds the Second Republic’s principle of ‘leaving no one and no place behind’ by ensuring that senior citizens who built this nation are cared for with dignity,” said Minister Ncube.
The programme goes beyond providing immediate relief by strengthening community cohesion and demonstrating Government’s commitment to social protection, particularly in rural areas.
Minister Ncube added that the programme also promotes a culture of ubuntu and respect for elders as custodians of wisdom and heritage in Midlands Province.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Francisca Mwale, welcomed the support, saying it had come at a critical time.
“We want to thank our minister for bringing this programme to Gokwe at the right time. It will help us in a good way,” she said.
