Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) yesterday donated skin care products and sun protection materials worth $8 million to people living with albinism in Matabeleland North Province.
Zera donated sunscreen sprays, lotions, bath soaps, lip balms, long sleeved t-shirts and sun hats amounting to approximately $46 000 per person as part of its 10-year anniversary celebrations.
174 people living with albinism in Matabeleland North benefited.
Matabeleland North Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo was the guest of honour at the event that was held in Bulawayo. Minister Moyo challenged Zera to continue mobilising resources and donating to people living with albinism.
He said the donation is a great move towards accomplishing the social development strategic pillar of the National Development Strategy.
“To the Albino Association and communities who will receive these products, l am happy for you, as this brings the much-needed relief, especially considering the current climatic conditions. We are in this together, leaving no one behind. My office remains open to hear out your pleas and concerns,” said the Minister.
Zera Chief Executive Officer Mr Eddington Mazambani said this was not the first donation they have made to people living with albinism.
He said they are hoping to do even more in the near future.
He said they realised a need in the albino community and decided to have golf tournaments in Bulawayo and Harare as part of raising funds for the donations. Mr Mazambani expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who helped pool the resources together for the donation.
“We saw it fit to relieve our communities with albinism of the harsh effects of the sun especially during the summer season,” he said.
Mr Mazambani said hopefully, moving on they will manage to donate to people living with albinism nationwide. Zimbabwe Albino Association Matabeleland region chairperson Mr Sanders Munsaka said the donation will go a long way in supporting beneficiaries.
“The creams that were donated here today cost at least US$26 and a person normally survives on four bottles a month.
This is a lot of money especially for people in rural areas who are not even working,” said Mr Munsaka.
He said failure to get the creams is the reason why most people living with albinism end up with skin cancer.
Mr Munsaka said more donations are needed so that a lot of people can get the same help.
“We are really thankful to Zera for coming forward and helping people with albinism. These sun protection materials will help in saving lives as we face so many challenges like sensitive skin due to sunlight exposure which causes skin cancer,” he added.
A beneficiary of the donation, Miss Paidamoyo Duviwa (19) said the donation comes handy as both the sunhat and the cream was a must-have during summer.
“I am really happy about the donation. It will help me protect myself from the sun. I hope they do more of these donations,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Ms Quincy Moyo (42) said the heat becomes unbearable during summer and staying at home is not an option as people need to work for their families.
She said she hopes Zera can think of empowering people with albinism through supporting their talents so that they can be able to generate money to buy the products on their own.
“I am really grateful for the donation that they made. These products are really expensive. I hope they will donate again very soon and they will never get tired,” she said.
-@flora_sibanda
Online Reporter