dyton mupawaenda
Raymond Jaravaza-Bulawayo Bureau
ZANU PF members at grassroots level in Bulawayo have received a major economic empowerment boost following the launch of a US$20 000 revolving fund by the Brian Samuriwo Foundation at an event attended by hundreds of ruling party supporters in Luveve suburb.
The foundation is run by politician and ZANU PF Bulawayo provincial secretary for business, Cde Brian Samuriwo. The initiative is aimed at economically empowering party members while strengthening the ruling party’s structures at cell and district levels.
The revolving fund, which will benefit party members across the province, is accompanied by training in poultry production. More than 5,000 chickens have already been procured, while incubators have been purchased to support sustainable egg and chick production.
Speaking at the launch, beneficiaries hailed the initiative as life-changing.
“I have been a ZANU PF member for the past 30 years here in Luveve. We really thank the Brian Samuriwo Foundation for empowering us at cell level,” said Ms Gloria Sibanda.
“We are the backbone of the party, and the coming in of the Second Republic has shown us that ZANU PF truly cares for its members at grassroots level.” The revolving fund will be accessed by party members who submit viable income-generating project proposals, with beneficiaries expected to repay the funds to allow others to benefit. Cde Samuriwo said the programme was deliberately designed to strengthen the party from the lowest structures upwards, while promoting income generation and long-term economic sustainability.
“There is a perception that nothing is happening within the party, but we are deliberately creating strategies for income generation and generational wealth. This empowerment programme seeks to leave no one behind,” he said.
The revolving fund was officially launched at a belated Christmas party held at the ZANU PF District Coordination Committee (DCC) Area 2 command centre in Luveve on Thursday.
Elderly party members also expressed appreciation for being included in the empowerment initiative.
“A heartfelt thank you to the Brian Samuriwo Foundation for thinking of us, the elderly. Most income-generating projects tend to benefit a few, but this time we were considered as well,” said Mr Jeremiah Ndlovu from Old Luveve.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude. This support shows that our long-standing contribution to the party is recognised.”
Another beneficiary, Ms Edith Mpala, said the initiative would help older members become financially independent.
“This programme will uplift us and reduce our dependence on our children, who are themselves struggling to make ends meet,” she said.
Meanwhile, ZANU PF DCC Area 2 members in Bulawayo Province used the belated Christmas celebration to strengthen unity among party members and reflect on achievements under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.
Cde Samuriwo said the ruling party has much to celebrate, citing economic and developmental progress under the Second Republic.
“President Mnangagwa’s leadership has enabled party members and businesspeople across the country to excel in various sectors of the economy,” he said.
“As DCC Area 2, we are celebrating a belated Christmas because there is a lot for the party to reflect on, including His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s visionary leadership and the developmental strides made across the country.”
The event drew ZANU PF members from Emakhandeni–Luveve and Lobengula–Magwegwe constituencies.
Online Reporter