Mphoko family donates wheelchairs

Bulawayo Bureau
ACTING President Phelekezela Mphoko’s family yesterday donated 10 wheelchairs to people with disabilities in Bulawayo. Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Joshua Malinga, received the donation on behalf of beneficiaries during the official opening of Choppies’ 17th retail outlet in the city.

Cde Mphoko said the supermarket chain, to which his family has some shares, had embarked on a drive to employ people with disabilities as part of efforts to empower them.

Among the beneficiaries was Fungai Machaka (28), who approached the Acting President’s wife, Mrs Laurinda Mphoko, seeking assistance as she struggled to use walking sticks.

The mother of three wept as Mrs Mphoko gave her the wheelchair and pushed her around as the crowd cheered.

“Ngiyabonga umlimu wami ongenzele lokhu namuhla (I thank God for what he has done for me today),” she said in tears.

The Acting President also gave her $40 to do some shopping. He also gave monetary gifts to two women from the crowd who were aged 75 and above.

Cde Malinga applauded Cde Mphoko’s gesture saying the support was a sign of a caring leadership.

“You’ve helped many people with this gift. This shows that (Cde) Mphoko is a good leader.

“In fact, good leaders are judged by the way they treat the vulnerable in their community,” said Cde Malinga.