Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
SCENES of joy and gratitude unfolded in Nyabira as the philanthropist par excellence, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, brought relief to multitudes of families through a substantial donation of food hampers.
The beneficiaries, numbering more than 1 000 families, are living in shacky tents in an open settlement with no land for farming or sustainable livelihoods, leaving households exposed to hunger.
It is against this background that the First Lady, as a caring mother, chipped in to assist the vulnerable families.
Mother Zimbabwe has also been personally cooking and providing nutritious meals to many children every week, as some were beginning to show signs of malnutrition, including kwashiorkor.
The First Lady’s heart ached seeing the children lack food, and she immediately made arrangements to provide enough for them and their families.
From early morning, residents gathered under a large tent, where couples, widows and the elderly sat in an orderly manner as officials, led by the First Lady, moved among them distributing hampers packed with essential groceries.
Children were not left out, as they too were gifted snacks, adding to the festive atmosphere. The exercise, which left a lasting impression on the community, proceeded smoothly throughout the day, ensuring that every family present was served. After everyone had received their allocations, an announcement was made that significant quantities of food still remained.
The repeated handovers turned the occasion into a celebration, with ululations, smiles and spontaneous applause rippling through the tent as residents expressed surprise and appreciation for the generosity on display.
Laughter and excited chatter often filled the area during the weekly feeding sessions, as children gathered around the First Lady, plates brimming with food and faces alight with joy, reflecting the affection and trust they have developed towards her. Last Saturday, Dr Mnangagwa, whose philanthropy has become a consistent nationwide commitment rather than a one-off event, underscored that the well-being of communities remains close to her heart.
Mother Zimbabwe stressed the importance of unity and collective responsibility, explaining that the assistance was meant to ensure every family had sufficient food supplies at home, particularly for those without land or proper shelter. Beneficiaries described the exercise as unprecedented.
Mrs Tred Mpika said the distribution had an immediate impact on family life.
“This food has taken away a big burden. My children will sleep knowing there is food in the house, and that alone brings peace. Having a mother who truly cares for you in times of need is such a blessing. Imagine, it is the festive season, yet out of her busy schedule she decided to come and share with us in Nyabira,” she said.
For Ms Diana Mucheki, the assistance came at a critical time.
“I am a widow and I had no one to provide for me. This food has relieved my worries. I am grateful to the First Lady for remembering people like me,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Ms Eunice Jameson, said the festive season felt different this year.
“People even received additional food items. This has never happened before. Our homes will not lack food. Those who are used to scrambling were left embarrassed because everything was done calmly and in an orderly manner,” she said. Mr John Tsangadzawoma said the abundance was visible to everyone present.
“The food was plenty. After everyone was given, there was still more. It showed genuine care for all of us. People who expected to jostle were left stunned because everything was fair and well organised,” he said.
Mr Jameson Manhema expressed appreciation for the fairness in distribution.
“I want to thank Amai Mnangagwa for ensuring that all the food was distributed fairly in her presence. We did not scramble or struggle, and everyone was fully catered for. It lifted our spirits,” he said.
The food donation complements ongoing national efforts to support vulnerable communities, with the First Lady’s outreach bringing dignity, relief and renewed hope to families living under difficult conditions.
