Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza and Dalyn Chigwizura, Zimpapers Reporters
IT might not seem like much, but for boys and girls in Mzilikazi and Nkulumane, Bulawayo, a small hamper filled with biscuits, sweets, a little bottle of juice and a few snacks is enough to light up their faces with joy.
Some of these children have grown accustomed to a local Father Christmas — the familiar white-bearded man in a red coat — who brings festive cheer with Christmas goodies. Monday was no exception, as local businessman Mr Terrence Hill, who runs a butchery, grocery shop and a popular ‘tshisa nyama’, handed out hundreds of neatly wrapped Christmas hampers to children in Mzilikazi.
A similar scene unfolded at Qinisani Daycare Orphanage in Nkulumane, where beneficiaries received early Christmas gifts from youthful philanthropist Mrs Memory Nyoni, founder of Chapter 40, during a separate event.
“We do this every year as a way of showing appreciation for the support that Mzilikazi residents give to the butchery and supermarket.
“It’s also an opportunity to remind the little ones to stay away from drugs and substance abuse.
“We distributed hundreds of food hampers to the children,” said Mr Hill.
For five-year-old Andile Moyo, Father Christmas made her day.
“It was raining, but I came to collect my biscuits,” she said with a smile. For Mr Hill, those smiles are enough motivation to save a dollar a day throughout 2026, so he can buy even more goodies for Mzilikazi children next Christmas.
Mrs Nyoni explained that she formed Chapter 40 after turning 40, following a vision in which God revealed to her that life begins at 40.
“At first, Chapter 40 was more spiritual than physical. I started empowerment clubs for women in Bulawayo and other cities across Zimbabwe,” she said.
She said her mission began by connecting women and encouraging them to empower themselves after realising that many were not economically independent.
“Most women are just seated at home, relaxed, waiting for their husbands to bring home salaries. So, I started programmes to teach women not to depend on their husbands’ income but to empower themselves. God then revealed that we cannot stop at self-empowerment. We must also recognise the orphans and vulnerable children in our communities,” she said.
From that point, Chapter 40 began identifying homes around Bulawayo that needed support.
“This year, we identified Qinisani Daycare Orphanage Centre, which is why we are here today – to give what we can, including clothing, groceries, toiletries and sanitary wear,” she said.
Mrs Nyoni also stressed the importance of supporting the girl child.
“We have realised that while children often receive food donations, items such as sanitary wear and underwear are frequently overlooked, yet they are essential,” she added.
In an interview, Gogo Yona Mpofu, founder of Qinisani Daycare Orphanage Centre, expressed gratitude to Mrs Nyoni and Chapter 40 for remembering the children with early Christmas gifts.
She said the centre currently cares for 45 children, some as young as three years old.
“We don’t have donors who support us every month. Most of our donations come from individuals, churches and community members. I thank everyone who has stretched out their hands to remember these children. I started the centre in 2002, and the building was constructed in 2011,” she said.
