Online Reporter
Chronicle Writer
A TOTAL of 442 families with persons living with disability and the elderly from Ward 17 in Bulawayo yesterday received Christmas food hampers donated by a company operating in the community, Hualin Quarry.
Ward 17 covers a vast area that includes Pumula North, part of Pumula South Phase 3, Dunstall Farm, Hyde Park Village, Mazwi, St Peter’s Village, Gum Plantation, Khami Waterworks and Robert Sinyoka. The hampers were distributed in six areas — Mazwi Village, St Peter’s Village, Methodist Village, Robert Sinyoka, Pumula South and Pumula North.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at St Peters Village, Ward 17 Councillor, Clr Sikhululekile Moyo, expressed gratitude to Hualin Quarry for its continued generosity, noting that the company has been donating Christmas hampers to vulnerable families since 2022.
“On behalf of the community and the city of Bulawayo, I want to thank Hualin Quarry for their kindness in giving out these food hampers to our families. This will go a long way in ensuring that everyone has a memorable Christmas, knowing that all families will have something to eat,” said Councillor Moyo.
She added that the company has played a significant role in community development, including assisting with road repairs, donating water kiosks to five schools and paying school fees for several children from disadvantaged families.
“This shows that Hualin Quarry is not only doing business in Pumula but has become part of the community,” she said.
Clr Moyo urged families not to hide disabled people in their homes.
“It is not a curse to have a family member who is disabled. We must not hide them. We have to celebrate such good occasions with them,” she said.
Hualin Quarry public relations officer, Mr Ayibongwe Moyo, said the company enjoyed cordial relations with the community and will continue providing both material and financial support to vulnerable groups.
“This programme has been running for the past four years. Our aim is to ensure that everyone enjoys the Christmas period. This is not the only corporate social responsibility programme we are implementing in Bulawayo,” he said.
Mr Moyo said the food hampers comprised 10kg of mealie-meal, 2kg of sugar, two litres of cooking oil and two litres of juice. Ward Development Committee chairperson, Mr Trust Mkhwananzi, said beneficiaries were identified through a collaborative process involving community leaders and the councillor.
“This is a good gesture by Hualin Quarry. As community leaders, we were all involved, and officials from the Ministry of Social Welfare were also present, which shows that everything was done transparently. We are grateful to the company for the assistance it has rendered to the community in various ways,” he said.
