Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
THE Matabeleland North Provincial Empowerment Fund was officially launched in Binga, a development expected to unlock start-up capital for community members and spur life-changing income-generating projects.
Speaking at the launch on Sunday, Presidential Investment Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara said the fund is designed to empower local communities by supporting sustainable ventures that drive economic growth and improve livelihoods across the province.
Dr Tungwarara disbursed US$25 000 each to six constituencies in Matabeleland North, much to the joy of the beneficiaries and the ruling party leadership.
“This is powerful in terms of empowerment, and we thank the President for this.
“We are going to do important projects, and these will change our lives forever.
“When we see empowerment coming to us, it means a lot,” community membesr said.
ZANU PF Matabeleland North Provincial Chairperson, Cde Richard Moyo, emphasised that the fund is part of a broader empowerment drive aligned with national development goals.
“As we embrace Dr Tungwarara’s programmes, we want to see this in the context of a vision by our president, which is to empower us,” he said.
Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, ZANU PF National Political Commissar, noted that the programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to uplifting local communities.
“This is a drive to uplift the Binga community, the president loves this place and has vowed to see people’s lives improve, hence he has sent Dr Tungwarara with this message, it is a message of empowerment.”
There were also strong calls on beneficiaries to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the funds.
“We do not want greedy individuals who deprive ordinary people of the President’s support. We do not want people who steal the President’s money and go unpunished. These funds are meant to uplift communities and ensure that no one and no place is left behind,” Dr Tungwarara said.
In addition to the constituency allocations, ZANU PF District Coordinating Committee Chairpersons from all seven districts in the province received vehicles and US$10 000 each to support operational activities. A further US$20 000 was allocated as a revolving fund for women in Binga to promote small-scale enterprises.
The launch also included the distribution of 2 000 food hampers to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and orphans, in line with the festive season and the efforts of The Foundation for the Care of Vulnerables.
The initiative underscores the Second Republic’s ongoing drive to support inclusive socio-economic development in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
