Chronicle Editor
Leonorah Ncube, in Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls City Council (VFCC) has extended a helping hand to over 30 vulnerable families in the resort city by donating grocery hampers and clothes. This initiative is part of the annual Mayor’s Cheer Fund, launched in November 2023, which aims to raise US$20,000 to support underprivileged members of the community.
The fund, introduced through a maiden walkathon and clean-up campaign on 29 November 2023, seeks to address the challenges faced by vulnerable groups, including orphans, the elderly, schoolchildren, and people with disabilities. The council is also mobilizing resources to assist children with school fees, ensuring they have access to education.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at Chinotimba Community Hall, acting Victoria Falls City Town Clerk Ms. Kholwani Mangena, who is also the Chamber Secretary, emphasized the council’s commitment to localizing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number 1, which focuses on eradicating poverty by 2030.
“We strive to ensure that we actualize and localize Sustainable Development Goals that speak to the eradication of poverty. We would like to assure you that you are heard, seen, valued, and above all, you are loved,” said Ms. Mangena.
The city mayor, Councillor Prince Thuso Moyo, represented by Councillor Derrick Munsaka, highlighted that the council is still receiving donations from various stakeholders and well-wishers. He reiterated the fund’s goal of supporting vulnerable groups facing challenges such as lack of school fees and basic necessities.
“We are delighted to facilitate the food donation to our community’s most vulnerable members. We believe it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to basic necessities. It is the city’s duty to care for the vulnerable in the community,” said Cllr. Moyo.
In the first phase of its humanitarian efforts this year, the council pledged to pay school fees for 10 learners from different schools. The beneficiaries of the grocery hampers received essential items such as mealie meal, cooking oil, beans, juice, and clothes.
The gesture was met with overwhelming gratitude from the recipients. Gogo Gertrude Mpofu (72) described the donation as a timely boost. “I am happy, and my heart is full of joy. This has never happened before, and this will go a long way, especially now that we are just coming from the festive season and the opening of schools when things are tough,” she said.
Mr. Chenjerai Watinaye (78) echoed her sentiments, thanking the council for its support. “We are grateful for this assistance. It means a lot to us, especially during these difficult times,” he said.
The Mayor’s Cheer Fund is a testament to the Victoria Falls City Council’s dedication to uplifting the community and ensuring that no one is left behind. As the council continues to mobilize resources, it remains committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
Online Reporter