Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has challenged the private sector and business community to partner with the Angel of Hope Foundation in expanding its humanitarian programmes, saying collective efforts are essential to improving livelihoods and building a prosperous Zimbabwe.
Addressing the Foundation’s fundraising dinner at State House in Harare last night, the President said supporting vulnerable communities was a shared responsibility that required active participation from individuals, businesses and organisations across the economy.
He said contributions to the Foundation went beyond financial donations, representing an investment in human dignity, stronger families and empowered communities.
“In the spirit of forging collaboration and synergies, I am inviting you all to be partners in transforming lives and building a more prosperous Zimbabwe we all want,” President Mnangagwa said.
“This vision is achievable. Your support is not merely a donation, but an enduring investment in human dignity, stronger family structures, an empowered citizen, as well as a community that proudly preserves, safeguards and promotes its cultural heritage.”
The fundraising dinner followed the recent recognition of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa with the 2026 Top International Women Icon Award by Malaysia’s Binary University Centre.
President Mnangagwa congratulated the First Lady, commending her longstanding commitment to empowering communities and supporting vulnerable groups through the Angel of Hope Foundation, established in 2018.
He said the Foundation’s work was rooted in compassion, service and the belief that every citizen deserved dignity, hope and opportunity.
The President applauded its partners for supporting initiatives targeting women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, orphans and vulnerable children.
“I commend the First Lady for demonstrating longstanding commitment to empowering communities through proffering practical solutions to the day-to-day life experiences.
“In her DNA runs an indelible character trait of helping women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, orphans and vulnerable children across communities to build a brighter and prosperous future, while allowing families to thrive,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also recalled the First Lady’s work as a Member of Parliament for Chirumanzu-Zibagwe, where she supported the establishment of broad-based economic empowerment programmes, including savings and lending schemes known as Mikando, while encouraging women and young people to undertake income-generating projects.
He said the Foundation had complemented Government efforts to improve access to healthcare, particularly among marginalised and underserved communities.
Through its healthcare outreach programmes, vulnerable populations were accessing medical services, preventive care, health education and treatment, including early screening for non-communicable diseases.
President Mnangagwa said these interventions were contributing towards the country’s aspirations under the National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030, while complementing Government’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
The Foundation was also contributing to the fight against drug and substance abuse through community awareness, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
President Mnangagwa cited interventions at centres in Mbare and Chambuta, where young people and adults were being assisted to return to school, reunite with their families and rebuild their lives.
He said the Foundation’s work extended beyond healthcare and economic empowerment to the preservation of Zimbabwe’s cultural identity and heritage.
“Development without cultural identity is incomplete, and a people without knowledge of their history and culture are like trees without roots,” he said.
The President said initiatives such as Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba, traditional cook-out competitions and the national dress fabric were helping communities celebrate their heritage, promote unity and strengthen social cohesion.
He urged citizens, particularly young people and those in the diaspora, to preserve and pass on the country’s liberation history, traditions, languages and cultural values to future generations.
The Angel of Hope Foundation’s integrated environmental management programme was also contributing to sustainability, climate action and food and nutrition security among schoolchildren and communities.
President Mnangagwa, however, said community needs continued to grow amid challenges arising from climate change, illegal sanctions and disruptions to global production and supply chains.
He said women and young people needed continued assistance, mentorship and opportunities to improve their livelihoods while remaining connected to the country’s cultural and ideological foundations.
The President called on guests at the fundraising dinner to contribute generously towards the foundation’s work.
“Vakaropafadzwa avo vanopa zvichibva pasi pemoyo yavo.
“Blessed is the hand that generously gives to the less disadvantaged,” he said, quoting Luke 6:38 in support of the spirit of generosity.
In her remarks, Dr Mnangagwa said the fundraising dinner was also a celebration of Zimbabwean gastronomy, traditional dress and cultural heritage.
She highlighted the significance of totems in preserving family lineage, ancestral identity and social values.
“In our culture, a totem represents our lineage and connects us to our ancestors.
“It is our ancestral identity, carrying the history of generations. It is taboo to deliberately eat an animal that represents your totem.
“Mutupo also define our social boundaries and prohibits marriage between people of the same clan, even when they may be meeting for the first time. Our totems are a cultural system that preserves our heritage and reminds us of where we come from,” she said.
The fundraising dinner was attended by ministers, captains of industry and senior Government officials, among other guests.
