Sidumisile Mabena
Ronald Mpofu
Two Mangwe District farmers have made a significant contribution towards preparations for this year’s Independence Day celebrations by donating cattle, fuel and supporting road rehabilitation works leading to the event venue.
Mr Jabulani “Mangwana” Tshuma and his farming partner, Mr Andre Zietsman have donated 10 cattle and 2 000 litres of diesel. They have also undertaken the grading of an 85-kilometre road leading to the event venue at Matojeni in Maphisa.
Work on the road has already commenced, with 30 kilometres graded from its starting point in Marula. The route continues through Kezi, linking Mangwe and Matobo districts.
Mangwe District Development Co-ordinator (DDC), Ms Matilda Mlotshwa, accompanied by other Government officials and ZANU-PF representatives from Plumtree, visited the site on Thursday to inspect progress.
Mr Tshuma, a ZANU-PF council candidate for Plumtree Town Ward 3 during the 2023 elections, said the donations were a joint effort with his partner, Mr Zietsman.
“My partner, Zietsman, and I sat down and came up with an idea to assist our local government and community in preparation for the independence celebrations. The grading of the road is intended to smooth our travel routes and reduce the difficulty of travelling between Plumtree and Kezi. The diesel being used during the road rehabilitation is separate from the 2,000 litres we are donating; that is covered independently,” said Tshuma.
The 10 cattle and the diesel will be formally handed over to the DDC and the Rural District Council (RDC) a week before Independence Day.
Mangwe DDC, Ms Mlotshwa, welcomed the contributions, noting that they have greatly boosted preparations for the independence celebrations while also benefiting the community in the long term.
“We truly appreciate the donation, particularly the road rehabilitation. This road will be used by everyone, and on behalf of our community, I extend our sincere gratitude to Mr Tshuma and Mr Zietsman,” she said.
Mangwe Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr Bongani Ngwenya said the initiative was commendable, noting that it was the first time the Marula–Kezi road had been graded since Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980.
“We are pleased with the initiative taken by Tshuma and his partner. Our President launched what is called the Minimum Road Standards for road rehabilitation, which includes grading and adding gravel. With what Tshuma has done for us, it is now up to us to build on this effort and work towards having our roads tarred,” said Ngwenya.
Ward 12 councillor and Mangwe RDC women’s quota representative, Miss Simphiwe Vuyelwa Mguni, also thanked the two donors, saying their gesture reflected community ownership and commitment to national development.
“We are deeply thankful to Mr Tshuma and Mr Zietsman for grading the Marula to Kezi road ahead of our 2026 National Independence Day Commemorations, and for their generous donation of 2,000 litres of fuel and ten cows.
Their initiative and sense of ownership exemplify true community leadership, contributing meaningfully to our Independence Day celebrations on behalf of Mangwe District. This spirit is a living testament to His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s mantra: ‘Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’,” she said.
Speaking to Chronicle, Mr Tshuma said he chose the Marula–Kezi route because it is the shortest link between Plumtree and Kezi, which will ease travel for people moving between the two districts during the Independence celebrations and beyond.
Online Reporter