Chronicle Editor
Nokuthaba Brita Ncube, [email protected]
NATIONAL Foods Limited’s egg layer production programme continues to transform lives in Matabeleland South, particularly, in the Ndiweni community of Bulilima District in Matabeleland South Province.
The initiative, which started a year ago, has empowered youth to become self-reliant while addressing food security and promoting rural industrialisation.
As the sole egg producer in the district, the project has exceeded expectations, with participants struggling to meet the high market demand.
During a tour of the Galaupole Training Centre, yesterday where the project is based, National Foods’ southern region head of stock feed, Mr Raymond Mhona, said the company’s commitment to nourishing the nation.
He said the programme aligns with their vision to develop, grow, and sustain initiatives that empower young people.
National Foods’ stock feed technical advisor, Mr Cleopas Mlambo, highlighted the remarkable progress made by the Ndiweni community.
National Foods’ public relations manager, Ms Major Mutemererwa, expressed pride in the initiative’s impact on youth.
“We are humbled by the efforts to engage young people, the productive generation, who are not only producing and selling but also purchasing from National Foods,” she said.
The programme is implemented in partnership with the Community Foundation for the Western Region of Zimbabwe (CFWRZ) through its Alad Programme. Programme manager Ms Sithabile Gandi-Ndlovu praised National Foods for their unwavering support.
“The partnership with National Foods’ stock feed division has profoundly impacted young people, especially in the Ndiweni community. They have provided technical skills, leadership training, and financial management, enabling participants to run viable small-scale egg production projects,” she said.
Ms Ndlovu also explained how the centre operates. The centre currently allows young people to come and get eggs on credit every week.
“Everyone has a day at which they come in and when they come in, they clean and thereafter they get two trays of eggs. If you sell your eggs during the week you can always come and get more eggs,” she said.
“Soon we are going to be giving a box of eggs to each just so that they can upscale their production,” she added.
Since its inception, National Foods’ “A Life A Day” initiative has supported over 1 500 youths across Matabeleland North and South. The programme has instilled confidence, fostered entrepreneurship, and promoted rural industrialization.
“National Foods has helped us raise awareness about youth empowerment and community engagement,” said Ms Ndlovu.
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