adminDaniel Mhonda Mutare Correspondent
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni has donated 3 000 chicks to women in areas affected by Cyclone Idai to start income generating projects. Handing over the donations on behalf of the minister, Zanu-PF director of business development and liaison Cde Francis Hungwe said there is now need to shift focus from handouts to providing a platform for development for the victims.
“We believe there is need for us as Zimbabweans to provide platforms of development for the people who suffered the catastrophic effects of Cyclone Idai.
“As Zanu-PF we are pursuing the elements of self-sustenance and economic development and we believe this is a noble gesture that will assist women who were affected to get back into business,” he said.
He said 2 000 chicks will be given to women in Kopa and Ngangu, Chimanimani while those in Mutare district would receive the remaining 1 000.
Receiving the donation, the ministry’s provincial development officer, Mr Munyaradzi Mubaya, applauded the Minister, institutions and individuals from Zimbabwe and across the world for the support being given to the victims of the cyclone.
“We want to thank everyone who has and will continue to contribute towards the resuscitating the livelihood of the Chimanimani and Mutare community who were adversely affected by the Cyclone Idai. We really appreciate this donation because it will fill a huge gap,” he said.
Mr Mubaya said it was high time that people shift focus and target the resuscitation of the victims’ livelihood.
“We believe this will go a long way in improving the lives of the people concerned,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rural Electrification Fund (REF) staff yesterday also donated more than 1 500 exercise books to pupils in Chipinge and Chimanimani.
Chairman of the provincial Department of Civil Protection Mr Edgar Seenza acknowledged REF staff for the noble gesture.
“Yesterday I received a report that many schools from the affected districts have schools like Chimanimani secondary, which are in need of stationary suitable for secondary pupils. So we believe these donations are now addressing the actual need of all the victims of Cyclone Idai,” he said.
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