Online Reporter
Dorothy N Sithole
There were emotional scenes at Lambamai Centre on Tuesday morning as Shadow Councillor Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo handed over livestock, farming equipment and solar lights to villagers in Ward 20 in a gesture aimed at boosting community livelihoods.
Nkomo, who travelled about 124km at her own expense, said the initiative was part of efforts to translate Vision 2030 into tangible benefits for ordinary farmers and youths.
Her first stop was at Mr Felex Mangena’s homestead, where a field day is scheduled for Wednesday. During the visit, she donated two earth auger machines capable of drilling multiple holes simultaneously to Mr and Mrs Mangena and Ms Otilia Muzvidziwa.
“This is practical empowerment. These are tools that can immediately improve productivity and help families put food on the table,” said Nkomo.
The donations extended to community projects, with five piglets, three cattle and 10 goats handed over to the Hope Foundation youth project. She also contributed US$200 towards a road runner chicken project and another US$200 for the construction of a pig kraal.
To support the start-up phase of the projects, Nkomo provided five 50kg bags of starter mash and US$80 for pig feed.
In addition, 30 war veterans received solar lights valued at US$102 each, supplied through Virl Company agent Mrs Ntombikayise Mangena.
Nkomo also donated beef and chicken for a community meal, US$100 to assist a villager in clearing a revolving fund loan and a further US$100 to cater for lunch during Wednesday’s field day.
Villagers expressed gratitude for the donations, describing the gesture as unprecedented.
“We have never witnessed such generosity on this scale. As Ward 20, we thank you deeply,” said one villager.
Speaking after the handover, Nkomo attributed her philanthropic work to both her Christian faith and national development aspirations.
“Glory to God who has blessed us. I started as a vendor in the 1990s before working in mining. I understand the importance of empowerment and hard work,” she said.
She added that empowering communities creates a ripple effect of development, in line with Vision 2030.
Ward 20 Councillor Cde Zhou Ruzive commended the initiative, noting that it was the first time the ward had received such extensive support from an individual.
“We are committed to adopting a business-oriented mindset and ensuring these projects bring real change to our community,” he said.
Agriculture advisor Mr Dumisani Masuku said the donation would significantly enhance agricultural productivity in the area.
Nkomo, an ordained ZAOGA Church elder, said she plans to expand similar projects to other wards as part of ongoing community development efforts.
The event comes amid growing community-led initiatives in Insiza North, with residents expressing optimism about improved livelihoods driven by such interventions.
Proceedings concluded with a shared meal, with villagers describing the occasion as a unifying and uplifting experience.
Bongani Ndlovu