Online Reporter
Dorothy N Sithole
A ZANU PF Ward 23 shadow councillor, Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo, on Friday donated an earth auger hole-digging machine to a farming couple in Jama North Village 7, Ward 14, during a field day attended by farmers, agronomists and community leaders.
The donation was made at the Moyo homestead where the field day, organised by ABAO Agritex Officer Mr Lulama Sihlahla, attracted village heads, VIDCO members, agronomists, Green World representatives and villagers from across Insiza North Constituency.
According to Patriotic Vendors4ED affiliate Dumiso Makhalima, Ms Nkomo, popularly known as Host for ED, attended the event as a guest and handed over the machine to Mr and Mrs Mzenzi Moyo, who hosted the field day.
An emotional Mrs Moyo said the donation came as a surprise, adding that she had only seen such equipment online.
“I never thought I would own one. God is great! May God bless you abundantly, Cllr MaNkomo, as you keep empowering Insiza North,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Ms Nkomo said empowering communities was central to improving livelihoods and achieving the country’s development aspirations.
“Luke 6:38 and Proverbs 19:17 remind us that generosity leads to prosperity. When I empower you today, you will empower others tomorrow. Empowerment is the cornerstone of the revolution,” she said.
She said the donation reflected the aspirations of Vision 2030, adding:
“What you see here is Vision 2030 in action.”
The programme started with Seventh Day Adventist hymns and a devotion led by Elder Bekezela Ncube, while Ward 14 Councillor Kembo Nkomo welcomed guests.
Entertainment was provided by local musician Isaac Shoko Matutu, who performed a song in honour of Ms Nkomo and received US$100, while entertainer Bongani Dladla and his children were given US$50.
During the event, Virl Company Financial Services exhibited solar-powered gadgets, and Ms Nkomo bought three units worth US$102 each, which were donated to Village Head Glenda Ndlovu, Alfred Sibanda and VIDCO chairperson Ephraim Moyo.
Earlier in the week, Ms Nkomo also contributed US$460 towards fuel to transport residents from Insiza to the Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa, while artisanal miner Biton Ncube pledged a truck and fuel to ferry residents from Ward 23 Shangani.
Guest agronomist Mr Chinomkutu Mutizira encouraged farmers to commercialise their operations and maximise production.
“If we are all hands-on, every household will earn US$4,000 or more after every yield. Think big, farmers. There is life in farming,” he said.
Agronomists from SeedCo and Green World also took farmers through seed selection and fertiliser application, with Green World’s Nutriplant Organic Plus Fertiliser said to have the potential to boost yields by between 40 and 70 percent.
Participants appealed for more training sessions, saying the lessons were beneficial and that time had limited the day’s programme.
