Story by Tawanda Mazhangara
YOUNG women in Mudzi District are transforming savings into thriving businesses, with four outstanding entrepreneurs receiving motor vehicles and offer letters during the Young Women for Economic Development (YW4ED) Mukando Harvest Celebrations held in Kotwa, Mashonaland East Province, on Friday.
The event, held under the theme “Young Women Walking the Talk Towards Vision 2030,” recognised women who have successfully leveraged the Mukando savings model to establish and expand business ventures.
Addressing participants, ZANU PF Secretary for Women’s Affairs, Cde Mabel Chinomona applauded the beneficiaries for converting collective savings into sustainable economic opportunities.
“What we have witnessed in Mudzi proves that young people are not waiting for the future. They are building it. When you save, invest and grow together, you are walking the talk towards Vision 2030. Government will continue supporting such initiatives that empower women at the grassroots level,” she said.
The Mukando programme, which enables members to make regular contributions before receiving lump-sum payouts for investment purposes, has recorded significant growth in the district.
YW4ED Mashonaland East Chapter Chairperson, Farai Chinomona, said the initiative has expanded rapidly since its inception.
“The Mukando programme in Mudzi started with 37 people in 2021, and the number has grown to 518 people; today, they are sharing US$262 000. These are not donations. These women earned this through hard work, discipline and consistency,” she said.
National Chairperson of YW4ED, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera said the programme continues to gain traction across the country as a vehicle for women’s economic empowerment.
“As YW4ED, we have taken the Mukando programme to various provinces, and Mashonaland East has recorded lots of success. As we journey towards Vision 2030, we will make sure no young woman is left behind,” she said.
Beneficiaries credited the initiative with transforming their lives and creating new economic opportunities.
“I want to thank YW4ED for introducing the programme in our district. The programme has changed lives in Mudzi. People now own businesses, and I am excited that I am driving my own car,” said beneficiary Mukudzeyi Marimbindi, who used her payout to establish a clothing business.
Another beneficiary, Chido Manyonga described the occasion as a milestone.
“I want to urge women out there to take these empowerment programmes seriously. It is a double celebration for me. I have a car and a stand,” she said.
Earlier, Cde Chinomona toured exhibitions by women-owned enterprises showcasing products ranging from horticulture and poultry to detergents, highlighting the growing entrepreneurial activity being driven by the programme.
