Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
SELECTED ZANU PF affiliates in Manicaland received a major boost to oil their business operations — in a true testament of the revolutionary party’s commitment to economically empower its grassroots support base by providing them with interest-free capital.
A whopping US$270 000 was distributed to the affiliates last Sunday at OTS Grounds in Sakubva by the Presidential Advisor on Investment, Dr Paul Tungwarara, in what has been described as a game-changer by the beneficiaries, who are going to kick-start income-generating projects, while others are going to use the funds to expand their business ventures.
Affiliates that received the funds are National Multi-Faith Economic Dialogue (NAMFED) US$50 000, Mapostori4ED US$50 000, Children of War Veterans US$50 000, CrossBorders4ED US$20 000, Hairdressers4ED US$20 000, Health Ambassadors4ED US$20 000, Boys DzaMudhara US$20 000, Vendors4ED US$20 000 and Pastors4ED US$20 000.
Other affiliates, according to Dr Tungwarara, will receive their share soon after vetting of their applications and business proposals.
Dr Tungwarara urged beneficiaries to use the money to carry out meaningful projects that will propel them out of poverty and create jobs within their communities.
He said the empowerment fund, which is being disbursed across the country, should, not divide people, but unite communities, as being championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“This money is a seed. If you are a vendor or a hairdresser, use this seed money to purchase more stock. If you are from the Pastors for ED, use it to initiate a project in your community. To every single beneficiary, utilise this seed money to develop an enterprise that creates jobs or to build an asset that helps to secure your family’s future.
“You must use these funds exclusively for development purposes to realise their full potential. Remember it is a revolving fund. Therefore, use it wisely so that others can benefit. We must also emphasise unity and purpose. President Mnangagwa has disbursed these funds to unite, not to divide us.
“This empowerment is for every Zimbabwean who believes in hard work and the vision of the nation. We must stand as a united force, resisting the cheap politics, divisive rhetoric spread by a few misguided elements. Their aim is to break our collective spirit – but our duty is to prove them wrong by working together.
Do not let anyone politicise this development. Support the President and his Presidium. Support the vision of our President and work in harmony within your communities.
“Today is more than a disbursement – but a declaration that the future of Zimbabwe will be built from the grassroots up. Go and use these funds with integrity and purpose. Build your business, strengthen your communities, play your part as one united people towards a Zimbabwe we all deserve by 2030,” said Dr Tungwarara.
ZANU PF national Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, said the ruling party has a strong bond with churches dating back to the liberation war, as indigenous churches supported the freedom fighters with clothes and food.
“This revolving fund will help to boost operations being done by organisations such as churches. Gone are the days when church-going people were viewed as poor. This fund will help our people to live comfortable lives. The church and ZANU PF have a long-running relationship which started way back during the liberation war during which fighters received help such as clothes and shoes from churches.
“Mutumwa Paul Mwazha funded the war as comrades received generous donations from his shops. This is why President Emmerson Mnangagwa said we should remember those who have stood with us. They must get their reward,” said Cde Machacha.Minister for State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the province has recorded a number of high-profile investments and projects under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.
He also said the party is working well with all the affiliates to strengthen its mobilization capacity.
Pastor4ED Manicaland provincial chairperson, Reverend Alice Chiwambutsa welcomed the funding, saying it will help pastors to be able to start their income-generating projects and move away from relying on offerings.
“We are so elated to receive this funding from President Mnangagwa. This funding will go a long way in reducing poverty and suffering among churchgoers. Pastors and church leaders now have capital to start their small projects, have their lives uplifted and not only rely on offerings from church members.
“We will get in touch with every church so that we can distribute to their pastors and members amounts ranging from US$100 to US$200 so that we cover a huge number. This money will be returned after three months so that other beneficiaries will also benefit. This fund is good for the church because it has no interest,” she said.
Dr Tungwarara gave Boys DzaMudhara Manicaland Chapter a business idea to start a fence-making company, and supply his company, Prevail International with the product, saying there is a shortage of fencing products on the market.
Boys DzaMudhara provincial chairman, Cde Trymore Chimbongora welcomed the gesture.
“We are very grateful to receive this funding from the President as young boys in Manicaland. The President has remembered us and generously empowered us with funds to start our projects. We want to thank Dr Tungwarara for giving us a valuable piece of advice to venture into large-scale fence-making business and offering to be one of the clients of our business. We are going to do that.
“Minister Mugadza, and ZANU PF provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, have also pledged to avail land to start the fence-making business. We are also going to start a pass-on piggery project targeting all corners of the project. We do not want to leave any youth behind,” said Cde Chimbongora.Children of Zimbabwe War Veterans Association provincial chairman, Cde Willis Nyamande said they are in consultation with their constituency on how best to utilise the fund.
“We are over the moon, happy about the funds we received from President Mnangagwa. He is always fulfilling his mantra that no place or person should be left behind in terms of economic emancipation. Our parents sacrificed their lives to liberate this country, and it is our duty now to grow the economy of the country. We are going to deliberate and choose projects which embrace all our members across the province,” said Cde Nyamande.
