Presidential rice brings relief, hope to vulnerable families

HUNDREDS of vulnerable families in Matabeleland South are set to benefit from a donation of Presidential rice, as Government efforts to support struggling communities continue to reach even the most remote areas of the province.

In a gesture aimed at easing the burden on disadvantaged households, Matabeleland South Women’s Quota Member of Parliament Dr Evelyn Ndlovu has distributed two tonnes of Presidential rice to Zanu-PF Women’s League structures in Umzingwane and Mangwe districts.

The food aid forms part of a wider programme spearheaded by President Mnangagwa to assist citizens facing hardship and ensure that vulnerable people are not left behind.

The rice is part of a three-tonne allocation that Dr Ndlovu received for distribution through Women’s League structures across the province.

The donation was handed over during separate ceremonies held in Esigodini and Plumtree, where community leaders and party members gathered to receive the consignment.

For many families struggling to make ends meet, particularly the elderly, people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, such assistance comes as a welcome relief.

With rising economic pressures affecting many households, food support remains a critical lifeline for those most in need.

Speaking during the handover ceremonies, Dr Ndlovu, who is also the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, said the Presidential rice reflected President Mnangagwa’s commitment to ensuring that Government support reaches ordinary citizens.

She said the initiative was guided by the President’s vision of ensuring that development and assistance benefit every corner of the country.

“This Presidential rice is meant to reach those who are most in need, particularly the elderly, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable members of our communities.

“The handover comes as Government continues to strengthen social protection and empowerment initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens while promoting sustainable livelihoods and community development,” said Minister Ndlovu.

She stressed that the food aid should reach deserving beneficiaries and urged local Women’s League leaders to play their role in identifying those who genuinely require assistance.

According to Dr Ndlovu, community leaders are best placed to know the circumstances of people living within their areas and should therefore ensure that support is delivered fairly and transparently.

“As leaders, our responsibility is to identify the poor, the disabled and the needy within our communities and make sure that assistance reaches them,” said the Minister.

While food assistance remains important, Dr Ndlovu said Government programmes are increasingly focusing on ensuring that families are equipped with opportunities to improve their livelihoods and become self-reliant.

Addressing party members during the Umzingwane handover ceremony in Esigodini, she highlighted a number of empowerment projects being implemented in the province.

Among them is the Presidential Sasso Chickens Project, which she said is helping families establish income-generating ventures through poultry production.

The programme, she noted, complements other initiatives designed to improve household incomes and strengthen food security at community level.

Dr Ndlovu also spoke about the Presidential Pig Project, which she is helping to implement across parts of Matabeleland South.

The initiative has already reached various groups, including widows, children of war veterans and young people.

“The project has so far benefitted widows in Matabeleland South, children of war veterans, youths in Bulilima and the Women’s League in Bulilima. Since the project is being implemented as a pass-on scheme, Umzingwane would soon receive its allocation.

“As women, make efforts to access funding from the Women’s Bank, the Ministry of Women Affairs and other empowerment initiatives and use the resources to establish income-generating projects,” she said.

Her message went beyond food aid and livestock projects. She encouraged women to take advantage of funding opportunities available through Government-supported institutions and use those resources to start businesses and sustainable community projects.

Dr Ndlovu said empowering women economically was one of the most effective ways of strengthening families and communities.

She urged women to embrace entrepreneurship and actively seek opportunities that can improve their financial independence.

At the Plumtree handover ceremony in Mangwe District, she reinforced the importance of moving beyond dependence on assistance programmes and embracing wealth-creation initiatives.

According to Dr Ndlovu, women have the potential to become business owners, producers and employers if they fully utilise the opportunities available to them.

“The Women’s League leadership should identify viable projects that could benefit women at grassroots level to push the importance of economic empowerment and self-reliance.

“These Presidential initiatives are therefore not only about addressing immediate food needs, but form part of the broader vision of building resilient and empowered communities,” said Dr Ndlovu.

She said building strong communities requires long-term planning and investment in projects that continue generating benefits long after the initial support has been received.

Dr Ndlovu also used the occasion to speak about the future of leadership within the party, calling on senior members to actively nurture younger generations.

She said experienced leaders have a responsibility to identify promising young people and provide them with guidance, mentorship and opportunities to grow into leadership roles.

“Our responsibility as leaders is not only to serve today, but also to prepare the next generation.

“We must nurture young people like Cde Simphiwe Mguni because they are our future leaders.

“In doing that, let us also remember and honour the party’s old guard, create time for elderly members who dedicated their lives to the liberation struggle and the development of Zanu-PF,” she said.

Her remarks highlighted what she described as the need to strike a balance between preparing future leaders and recognising the contributions of those who laid the foundation for the party.