Story by ZBC Reporters
THE First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Zero Waste Movement continues to gain momentum across the country, with communities, schools, churches, businesses and local leaders embracing the initiative as a critical step towards environmental sustainability, improved public health and economic development.
Zimbabweans from different provinces participated in clean-up campaigns held this Saturday, demonstrating growing support for the national programme, which promotes responsible waste management through the principles of reducing, reusing and recycling waste.
In Matabeleland South, residents of Gwanda braved the cold weather to join the spouse of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs Sibusisiwe Nguluvhe, in a clean-up exercise held under the theme, “Matabeleland South is Our Home, Zero Tolerance to Waste.”
Participants included schoolchildren, members of the business community, health clubs and residents.
Addressing participants, Mrs Nguluvhe called for collective action in building a cleaner and greener province in line with national development aspirations.
In Bulawayo, hundreds of residents, churches, schools and community organisations gathered in Mpopoma to clean public spaces and promote responsible waste disposal.
Participants praised the First Lady for spearheading a campaign that has united communities around environmental stewardship.
Meanwhile, in Masvingo Province, women and girls turned out in large numbers to participate in the clean-up exercise led by Mrs Euphrasia Chadzamira, spouse of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
Mrs Chadzamira said the initiative builds upon Zimbabwe’s commitment to the Global Zero Waste Movement, which the First Lady joined through the signing of the Global Zero Waste Goodwill Declaration.
Masvingo Province launched its Provincial Zero Waste Movement Chapter in 2024 as part of efforts to promote sustainable waste management while creating economic opportunities through recycling and environmental protection.
In Mashonaland Central, the clean-up campaign attracted overwhelming support in Bindura, where schools, churches, companies and residents participated in cleaning the central business district.
Participants said the programme has helped instil a culture of cleanliness among young people while raising awareness on environmental conservation.
Leading the exercise, Mrs Regerai Magomo, wife to the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central, urged communities to make zero waste a way of life.
Similarly, residents in Marondera expressed appreciation for the First Lady’s clean-up campaign, saying it has transformed attitudes towards cleanliness while contributing to improved public health.
Local authorities noted a significant behavioural shift among residents since the launch of the clean-up initiatives.
Marondera Rural District Council Chairperson, Councillor Jeremiah Gwanzura, said the programme has helped cultivate a culture of cleanliness while contributing to a reduction in disease outbreaks.
Provincial Environment Patron, Mrs Linda Ndudzo, challenged residents to become ambassadors of cleanliness and take ownership of efforts to maintain a healthy environment.
The nationwide clean-up campaigns are part of Zimbabwe’s broader commitment to the Zero Waste Movement, which was adopted globally by the United Nations in 2022 and seeks to reduce waste through sustainable consumption and production practices.
Zimbabwe continues to strengthen environmental stewardship initiatives aimed at creating cleaner communities, protecting public health and advancing sustainable development as the country marches towards Vision 2030.
