Story by Tamuka Charakupa
GOVERNMENT is harnessing the societal approach in cushioning the less privileged during the festive season, with the vulnerable in Norton receiving an assortment of groceries and wheelchairs for persons with disabilities.
For Sekuru Daniford Makedenge of Norton’s Katanga high-density suburb, whose lower part of the body was paralysed as a result of prostate cancer detected in July, a wheelchair is all he longed for.
“I am grateful to Councillor Machemedze for remembering me during this time of the year. After my operation, everything changed and I lost my dignity as I had to rely on my relatives for everything,” he said.
“It’s never easy to survive as a person with a disability. I am grateful for receiving a wheelchair and food hampers,” added a beneficiary.
The gesture, a brainchild of Norton’s Ward 7 Councillor, Mr Tinashe Machemedze, speaks to the inclusive development agenda.
“We should help beyond political lines because Christmas is a time of giving,” said Mr Machemedze.
Officiating at the event, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Marian Chombo lauded the whole of societal approach in cushioning vulnerable communities.
“As you are aware, Zimbabwe, just like any other nation in the Southern African region was affected by an El Nino that left many vulnerable. This took a toll on people with disabilities more and required everyone to chip in. The President assured us that no one was going to die of hunger and he knows that there are foot soldiers on the ground. We are grateful to all the companies that are lending a hand on behalf of the government to ensure that the vulnerable are helped.”
The beneficiaries’ early Christmas package was capped by Norton-based Afro-Jazz musician, Sarungano, who performed songs of the late national musical icon, Dr Oliver Mtukudzi.
