Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A FAMILY in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, which has lived with the lasting scars of a 1978 landmine explosion, has received humanitarian assistance from the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
The Nyoni family, from the Chief Shana area, sustained life-altering injuries during the liberation struggle after a bus they were travelling in detonated a landmine. The explosion left three family members permanently disabled, with a combined loss of five limbs, and has continued to affect their livelihoods decades later.
In a gesture aimed at easing their burden, Dr Mnangagwa on Tuesday donated a consignment of food items, along with mobility aids, including a wheelchair and crutches.
Speaking after receiving the donation, family representative Mrs Christine Nyoni expressed gratitude to the First Lady, saying the support would go a long way in addressing their immediate needs.
“As a family, we are very grateful for being remembered. The food parcel will help us, especially as we were unable to harvest much due to our condition. The crutches will improve my mobility, while the wheelchair will greatly assist our grandmother,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Esnath Mzamba, also thanked the First Lady for the assistance, describing it as timely and life-changing.
The local leadership welcomed the intervention, noting that the family has faced years of hardship due to disability and limited means of livelihood.
Village head Mr George Mwendawili said the donation would significantly improve the family’s welfare.
“The food parcels will help them greatly, particularly after a poor harvest. The crutches and wheelchair will improve their mobility and ease the burden on the household,” he said.
The Nyoni family’s story recently came under the spotlight following media coverage highlighting their survival of the liberation war tragedy and the enduring challenges they face.
Dr Mnangagwa has, through her philanthropic initiatives, continued to extend support to vulnerable communities across the country, providing food assistance, healthcare support and empowerment programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
Sidumisile Mabena