Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike, [email protected]
ACTING President Dr Kembo Mohadi has called for the reaffirmation of regional nations’ commitment to strengthening regional disaster preparedness and for collective advocacy for greater international support, saying disasters do not know borders.
He said regional integration was not only about trade and infrastructure, but also about mutual support in times of crisis.
Acting President Mohadi made the remarks yesterday while handing over humanitarian assistance to Mozambique under the ZimAid programme in Harare.
Mozambique was recently hit by devastating floods that left a trail of destruction across four provinces from January 22, 2026, affecting 723 500 people and claiming 124 lives.
The Mozambican Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Carvalho Muária, received the consignment of about 300 metric tonnes of grain, medical sundries, timber, blankets and other materials on behalf of his Government.
“This response aligns with the principles of the African union and SADC. Regional integration is not only about trade and infrastructure, but also about mutual support in times of crisis. Disasters do not respect borders and neither should our compassion or response.
“As we hand over these resources today, let us reaffirm our commitment to strengthening regional disaster preparedness, early warning systems and climate resilience, while continuing to advocate collectively for greater international support as Africa confronts the impacts of climate change.”
Acting President Mohadi said the situation in Mozambique should serve as a reminder of the growing vulnerability of the region to climate-induced disasters.
“Allow me, at the outset, to convey, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, our heartfelt sympathy and deep solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Mozambique, who have been affected by this tragic natural disaster.
“The loss of lives, destruction of homes, crops, and livelihoods and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of families, is a painful reminder of the growing vulnerability of our region to climate-induced disasters,” he said.
He said the floods were not an isolated occurrence, but part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events driven by climate change — phenomena increasingly beyond human control, but whose consequences were borne most heavily by developing countries.
“As Southern Africa, we continue to face cyclones, floods, droughts and heatwaves that undermine food security, infrastructure and human development.
“This reality calls for strengthened preparedness, resilience and above all, collective action. It is in this spirit of collective responsibility that the Government of Zimbabwe responded promptly to the urgent request for assistance from the Republic of Mozambique,” he said.
Acting President Mohadi said that, with the blessings of President Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe had deployed rescue helicopters to support search and rescue operations in the affected provinces.
He said the support affirmed Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
“I wish to acknowledge and commend the Government of Mozambique for its close coordination and support of this deployment. Such co-operation exemplifies the strong bonds that exist between our two sister republics,” he said.
Acting President Mohadi said Zimbabwe and Mozambique were more than neighbours, but one people bound together by shared borders, intertwined cultures and a common history forged during the liberation struggle.
He said the freedoms of the two republics were achieved through collective sacrifice, mutual support and unwavering solidarity.
“It is, therefore, only natural that, in moments of adversity, we stand together as one family.
“This is the essence of Ubuntu — that profound African philosophy which reminds us that ‘I am because we are’.
“When Mozambique hurts, Zimbabwe feels the pain. When Mozambique calls, Zimbabwe responds. The same is true, the other way round. Mozambique has come to our help time after time. This is our way to say: Thank you,” he said.
The Acting President commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for its co-ordination role as the lead ministry for ZimAid, as well as the ZimAid Committee for swiftly convening stakeholders to craft a coherent and impactful response.
He also commended the Civil Protection Unit for its leadership in disaster response and coordination, and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development for facilitating the release of emergency grain through the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
He further extended his appreciation to all stakeholders, Government institutions, the GMB, the private sector, civil society and development partners for standing with the people of Mozambique.
“Your contributions of resources, expertise and logistical support, reflect our national character and commitment to regional solidarity,” he said.
Ambassador Muária expressed profound appreciation to the Zimbabwean Government for the gesture, saying Maputo, Gaza, Manica and Sofala provinces were among the hardest hit.
“As of 22nd of January 2026, we registered a total of 723 532 affected persons, 154 472 affected families, 17 524 people displaced and 16 508 houses destroyed.
“About 169 affected health units, 96 shelter centres created and 106 050 victims at the shelter centres and we lost 124 people.
“Honourable President, the broad response by the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe to Mozambique’s humanitarian appeal is a testament to our historical cooperation by unbreakable bonds, a brotherhood and a solidarity which will go a long way in helping to restore human dignity, save lives and alleviate the untold suffering of the affected families in Mozambique,” he said.
He said he had been reliably informed that the aircraft deployed by Zimbabwe were operating well.
“I relay to the Government and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe our deep sense of gratitude for the provided humanitarian relief and standing shoulder-by-shoulder with us in this critical moment.”
He said there was still a possibility of his country experiencing further disasters as it was still in the rainy season.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, church leaders and other development partners witnessed the handover ceremony.
Bongani Moyo