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Midlands Bureau Chief
THOUSANDS of people converged at Lundi Primary School in Zvishavane to celebrate First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s achievements in which has been recognised for her philanthropic works even outside the country.
There was pomp and fanfare in Lundi which is under Chief Mapanzure as the Midlands province celebrated Dr Mnangagwa’s achievements.
Dr Mnangagwa was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy Degree by GD Goenka University in India, a Doctor of Philosophy from Russia State University for the Humanities and a Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies from Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU).
She also received a global humanitarian award from Russia’s “#We are together” initiative and a Gold medal from Crimean Federal University of Russia in recognition of her contribution to the education sector through her Angel of Hope Foundation.
The celebration was huge and brought together people from all walks of life, including the clergy, businesspeople, Government ministers and ordinary people.
A delegation from the First Lady’s home province of Mashonaland Central was also present.
The First Lady was showered with gifts in appreciation of her life-transforming initiatives at the colourful ceremony, which was punctuated by song and dance.
As early as 730am, long and winding queues of people coming to the event could be seen stretching for a kilometre.
The people were welcomed with a bottle of water, a drink/juice and biscuits, cookies and bread produced by Gweru-based DCK Bakeries.
Over four huge tents were erected for the people to sit and were all filled to capacity.
All the eight administrative districts in the province — Gokwe North and South, Gweru, Kwekwe, Shurugwi, Mvuma, Zvishavane and Mberengwa — were well represented.
The huge number of people who attended attested to the fact that the First Lady is indeed the mother of the nation.
Some people were forced to follow the proceedings outside the tents and when there were some showers for about five minutes- people were not deterred as they remained glued to their positions enjoying the proceedings.
Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Mbungo Brass Band of the popular Ndire Ndire song and Chief Hwenje of the ED Pfee fame were some of the performers who kept the crowd on its feet.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central Provincial chairperson Cde Kazembe Kazembe told President Mnangagwa that his eyes could not see where the last people were seated — a clear indication of the thousands of people who thronged Lundi Primary School.
After the function everyone received a hamper that comprised maize-meal, juice, sugar, cooking oil, flour, rice and washing soap courtesy of the President.
There were smiles as the people took home their gifts from the President.
“I came here to celebrate Amai’s success and to add icing on the cake, I have this hamper to take home. God bless the First family,” said a joyful Mrs Maria Shumba from Mataga in Mberengwa.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Larry Mavima said it was an honour for the province to celebrate the First Lady’s success.
“As a province, we feel highly honoured to have been graced by the President and the First Lady Dr Amai Mnangagwa. It’s always a blessing to have them in our midst,” he said.
Minister Mavima thanked the business community that made it possible for the province to honour the First Lady.
In his remarks, the President thanked the people of the Midlands Province for coming out in large numbers.
The day will forever be cemented in the people’s minds as it went on well.
What a day it was!
Online Reporter