Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
CHILDREN and old people’s homes, major hospitals and uniformed forces across the country have received an early Christmas gift from First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who handed over substantial consignments of groceries sourced through her Angel of Hope Foundation partners.
Deeply committed to the wellbeing of the nation, Mother Zimbabwe has been working closely with her foundation partners and well-wishers to mobilise resources for the needy. A hands-on person, the First Lady always ensures that all donations reach the intended beneficiaries.
The distributed goods including mealie-meal, rice, wheat, flour, beverages and other essentials are expected to significantly boost food stocks in the various institutions.
Hospitals that benefitted include Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, United Bulawayo Hospitals, Mpilo, Sally Mugabe, Chitungwiza and Ingutsheni Central Hospitals.
Children’s and older persons’ homes that received supplies include Chengetai Old People’s Home, Bluehills Children’s Home, Upenyu Hutsva, Ponesaivanhu Children’s Home, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwas children’s home in Chiredzi, Mother of Peace, Fairfields Children’s Home, Chiredzi Christian Children’s Village, Plumtree Reception and Support Centre, and Luveve Training School for Girls.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe National Army and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services were also among the beneficiaries. Throughout the year, Mother Zimbabwe has continued to distribute various forms of support from her local and international partners including medical equipment, critical consumables, blankets among other necessities to central and provincial hospitals, children’s and old people’s homes as well as uniformed forces.
Hospital authorities acknowledged the health ambassador’s tireless efforts to strengthen healthcare facilities throughout the year, saying the latest donation will go a long way in boosting the nutritional requirements of patients during the festive season.
At Mpilo Central Hospital, representative Mr Elisha Magada highlighted the national impact of the supplies.
“When people think of Mpilo, they may picture Bulawayo alone, but we serve Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, parts of Midlands and Masvingo as well. This support is reaching communities across the country,” he said.
Mr Magada added that the First Lady has consistently supported the institution.
“Not so long ago we received machines, medical consumables, blankets and other items. This latest consignment of groceries will make a significant difference.”
At Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, Mr Blessing Mungure said the support was timely.
“We want to thank Amai Mnangagwa for this delivery. These supplies will help us meet the nutritional needs of our patients, complementing earlier support of equipment, consumables, blankets and foodstuffs.”
At Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Mr Tears Chitambira said the groceries will strengthen their food stocks.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the First Lady for these Christmas food hampers. This year alone, we have benefited immensely from medical equipment, consumables, blankets and other important supplies channelled through her office,” he said.
United Bulawayo Hospitals representative Mr Nyasha Mangove also acknowledged the gesture: “Our patients will benefit greatly, and the supplies will help strengthen our stocks during the festive season.”
Ingutsheni Central Hospital’s Fortunate Nyamuremba was equally grateful.
“We thank you, Amai Mnangagwa. We care for people with mental health challenges from across the country. You have not left us out, and you show that a mother does not discriminate.”
At Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Mr Innocent Kamuche said the consistent support channelled through the First Lady’s partners had become an essential pillar for the institution.
“We sincerely thank the First Lady for remembering us once again. These hampers bring relief as we enter the Christmas period. From blankets to equipment and consumables, the items she shares with us each year make a real difference.”
Beyond hospitals, homes also benefited from the nationwide distribution, ensuring that diverse communities across all 10 provinces receive support during the festive season.
At Upenyu Hutsva, Mr Stephen Madzima expressed gratitude.
“We want to thank the First Lady, and even extend that appreciation to the President. We now know our children will have enough to eat. For years you have continued to do this for us. We are endlessly grateful.”
At Chengetai Old People’s Home, Ms Ann-Mercy Senzanje said senior citizens were deeply touched.
“I want to thank the First Lady for the gifts she has given us. She always remembers us when we least expect it. We are uplifted, and we are glad she has not forgotten us.”
At Mother of Peace in Mutoko, Ms Stella Cornneck described the donation as timely.
“This is not the first time you have supported us. Sometimes things are very difficult, but your heart overflows with love. That love enables us to continue our work.”
Fairfields Children’s Home in Mutare representative Ceceilia Thobani said the gesture brightened the children’s festive season.
“Our children say Christmas has become bright. We are able to enjoy like any other family.”
From Bluehills Children’s Home in Gweru, Mr Mapondera Nesbert said: “We want to thank Amai Mnangagwa for these gifts an early Christmas present so that we can celebrate with the children.”
Ponesaivanhu Children’s Home representative Abigail Marira praised the First Lady’s consistency and said; “Festive season is a difficult time. Others have people planning for them; for us, we are covered because we have a mother who always remembers us.”
At Chiredzi Christian Children’s Village, Mr Tererai Matara said: “Some of our children raised through support from our First Lady are now shining in their different spheres. This gesture ensures our children will have a wonderful Christmas.”
At Plumtree Reception and Support Centre, Ms Duduzile Moyo expressed gratitude.
“This will go a long way in assisting our children. This is a season of thanksgiving, and our First Lady is leading from the front.”
At Luveve Training School for Girls, Mr Ringo Sibanda said the donation would ensure the girls enjoy a dignified Christmas.
“We thank our mother for always remembering the girl child. This will allow our girls to have a memorable and dignified Christmas like everyone else.”
The gesture also covered members of the uniformed forces, among them the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe National Army.
ZRP representative Inspector Webster Dzova thanked the First Lady for the generous donation of foodstuffs, saying the support came “so soon after receiving our presidential bonus from His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Comrade Dr Mnangagwa.”
“Amai have remembered us once again by giving us an early Christmas present, and we will be able to go home and celebrate happily with our families.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude and ask that they continue to look after us, their children.”
ZNA Major Merlington Chinondo, a social services officer, also expressed appreciation, noting that the donation will support their social services department.
“This will go a long way in supporting our widows and orphans. I understand that Amai also donated blankets this year, and we are very grateful for the support she continues to extend to us.”
ZPCS Assistant Principal Correctional Officer Fabbison Majowiro thanked the First Lady and her Angel of Hope Foundation for consistently being a pillar of strength.
“This is a good initiative that brings hope. This hand of support is vital because it brings joy and comfort, especially to our inmates. At ZPCS, they have always helped us in many ways truly good things and we greatly appreciate all that they are doing; it overwhelms us with joy.
“There are times when we face shortages, but we know that Angel of Hope always assists us, ensuring our stocks remain stable,” he said.
Caring for the nation has become a continuous commitment not a once-off event for Mother Zimbabwe, whose compassion reaches across all sectors of society.
