Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Peter Matika, [email protected]
THE Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has donated four tonnes of mealie-meal to two care homes in Bulawayo, reaffirming his commitment to alleviating food insecurity among vulnerable members of the community.
Through his philanthropic arm, the Mthuli Ncube Foundation, Prof Ncube extended his support to Helping Hand for Life in Bellevue and Qinisani Day Care Orphanage in Nkulumane suburb. He also donated 30 bags of mealie-meal to Gogo Vundla, a Cowdray Park resident who has dedicated her life to caring for 12 orphans.
Speaking during the donation, Prof Ncube emphasised the need for sustained community support to uplift the underprivileged, particularly in challenging economic times.
“No child should go to bed hungry. Today, we are not just donating mealie-meal but also investing in the future of our children,” he said.
“When people take an active role in supporting vulnerable communities, it not only boosts morale but also encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors. Such initiatives can lead to sustainable programmes that address food insecurity on a larger scale.”
Gogo Vundla, who has earned the affectionate nickname “Jesus” in her community due to her dedication to orphans and vulnerable children, expressed gratitude for the donation, describing it as a lifeline for those under her care.
“This support means everything to us. It not only ensures consistent meals but also provides a sense of security and love for these children. For many of them, this donation eases the burden of worrying about their next meal, allowing them to focus on their education and personal growth,” she said.
Prof Ncube further pledged to pay school fees for the orphans under Gogo Vundla’s care, reinforcing his foundation’s commitment to supporting both nutrition and education.
Qinisani Day Care Orphanage director, Mrs Yona Mpofu, welcomed the donation, calling it a much-needed intervention in the face of rising food prices.
“While the donation is a commendable effort, it also serves as a passionate plea for continued support for vulnerable communities. Minister Ncube’s visit is a reminder that collective action is needed to combat food insecurity,” she said.
“We must all play our part, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocating for policies that support the most vulnerable among us.”
Helping Hand for Life co-director, Mrs Dainah Ndoro, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the impact of community-driven initiatives.
“With every meal provided, the future looks brighter for the children in care homes and the families they represent. The donation of mealie-meal by Minister Ncube not only supplies immediate relief but also highlights the power of the community in fighting food insecurity,” she said.
“It serves as a clarion call to all Zimbabweans to unite in support of those in need, ensuring that no child in Bulawayo or anywhere else in the nation goes to bed hungry.”
Prof Ncube’s donation is part of a broader initiative by the Mthuli Ncube Foundation to support vulnerable populations through food aid, education and economic empowerment programmes. The initiative has been widely praised for complementing national efforts to eradicate poverty and food insecurity.
In November last year, the Mthuli Ncube Foundation, in partnership with Tzu Chi Zimbabwe, a non-governmental organisation, donated 10 000 tonnes of rice to Cowdray Park residents. As part of his contribution to the development of the suburb, which he wants to transform into a modern and vibrant urban centre, Prof Ncube pledged to install WiFi at Cowdray Park Secondary School as well as donate books to its library.
In December, the foundation donated 1 000 bags of mealie-meal and other food hampers to families in Bulawayo and Matobo District during the festive season.
Online Reporter