Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
RESIDENTS of Zororai Old People’s Home have expressed appreciation following the delivery of food supplies and livestock by the ruling ZANU PF party during the Christmas period, a gesture aimed at supporting vulnerable groups during the festive season.
Party officials visited the institution, where they shared a meal with residents and handed over a consignment of food items alongside a goat, providing both immediate relief and reassurance of continued support into the new year.
For some residents, the visit marked a rare and deeply personal festive experience. Ninety-year-old Diana Mukakurirei, also known as Gogo Dorcas Moyo, described the celebration as unlike any she had witnessed before.
“This is great, as we sing that we should continue to live long. We are so excited today. Since I was born, I never witnessed Christmas celebrations like these, and I want to celebrate the 2026 event next year. I am 90 years old now. I was born in 1935,” she said.
Other residents said the support had eased food shortages and ensured they had sufficient supplies going into the new year.
“I was born in 1969, and I am 66 years old. I have eaten enough today. I will take some food to where I sleep and eat during the night. They gave me my favourite parts of chicken, and I am excited,” resident Gilbert Sanyangore said.
ZANU PF Central Committee member, Cde Getrude Mutandi, said the visit was in line with the party’s commitment to social inclusion and caring for the elderly, adding that the initiative reflected President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“We came here to prepare food for the elderly and eat the meal together. We also brought a consignment of food for them. We have done what our President, Cde Mnangagwa, who believes in leaving no one and no place behind. We thought it important for us to spend time here. We have brought a goat from the party’s secretary, General Cde Jacob Mudenda, over and above the consignment of food items,” Cde Mutandi said.
Politburo member Cde Irene Zindi said the party’s engagement with the home had been ongoing, noting that Cde Mudenda had previously supported infrastructure improvements at the institution, including renovations to staff housing and consultation rooms, with plans underway to repair a leaking roof.
“Our coming here started with Honourable Senator Mudenda. When he got promoted to be the Secretary General of the party, I gave him a goat. He then directed us to give the goat to this old people’s home. I then approached Cde Mutandi. We also gave them food donations. Cde Mudenda also told us the roof is leaking, and he is in the process of renovating the roof. Before, he has done quite a lot to support this institution in terms of renovating the doctors’ house and consultation room, among others,” Cde Zindi said.
The institution’s administrators are appreciative of the continuous support for the institution.
Administrators at Zororai Old People’s Home welcomed the continued assistance, saying it would help sustain the institution into the new year.
Assistant administrator Nyasha Mukosera said the home relies on support from Government and well-wishers to meet basic needs, adding that the latest donations would help ensure food security for residents.
“We want to thank Honourable Mudenda for the continued support of this institution. Every time we come to Mutare, she always comes here. We also want to thank Cde Senator Zindi and Honourable Mutandi. We depend on well-wishers and the government for food. We have been given food, and that will ensure we have enough food supplies when we start the new year,” Mukosera said.
The visit was marked by emotional scenes as residents celebrated being included in the festive season activities.
