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Prosper Ndlovu Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Mugabe has donated 10 tonnes of wheat and rice to hundreds of orphans and the elderly in Bulawayo. Bulawayo Governor Cain Mathema yesterday handed over the consignment of two tonnes to about 200 beneficiaries at Efusini in Makokoba suburb. Today the Governor will be handing over the food to beneficiaries in Pumula at 2pm.
Tomorrow the donation would be in Luveve at 10am.
On Friday Governor Mathema would be in Mpopoma at 10am and Njube Shopping Centre at 2pm.
Orphanages that include John Smale, Mastered Seed, King George, Sir Humphrey Gibbs, Rawlstein Home and Qinisani would receive 50kg of rice and 50kg of wheat each.
Addressing beneficiaries in Makokoba, Governor Mathema said President Mugabe was aware of the plight of the less privileged and was committed to helping them.
“I have been sent by President Mugabe to hand over this food consignment to the elderly. The President is aware of the plight of the elderly and has pledged to continue assisting them. Zimbabwe is what it is today because of the contributions of the elderly. That is why their welfare is protected in the new constitution.
“This food is for everyone and there is no discrimination in terms of which party one belongs to. We are also working to ensure that elderly people get monthly allowances so that they would not struggle to pay water and electricity bills,” said Governor Mathema.
Meanwhile, Zanu-PF National Assembly candidate for Makokoba in the forthcoming harmonised elections, Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, took the opportunity to interact with the elderly who appraised him of their problems.
The elderly expressed concern over the closure of Bulawayo industries and rampant unemployment among the youths. Others complained of lack of social services and adequate support for the less privileged.
Some demanded free medical treatment at clinics and hospitals.
In his response Rtd Col Dube urged residents to vote for him and pledged to assist them in addressing the challenges they were facing.
He said most of the problems facing people in the city were a result of failed political representation.
“We will talk about these things when you elect us into office. Look at what the MDC leaders have done in the last decade. They have virtually run down everything here.
“All we are saying is that give us a chance as Zanu-PF. Take advantage of our presence and we will assist you. We are not like other leaders who make false promises just to get wealth,” said Rtd Col Dube.
Online Reporter