Corporates urged to give back to the less privileged
Story by Tafara Chikumira
ZIMBABWEANS have been reminded to embrace the spirit of Ubuntu by remembering the less privileged during the festive season, riding on the government’s inclusive development mantra.
In setting the tone for the month meant to celebrate the Saviour in Christian belief, a Gweru-based firm took time to ensure December becomes memorable to the less-privileged and traditional leaders in the Midlands province.
One of the beneficiaries said, “I am here representing people with disabilities. I must say we feel honoured to be remembered in such a great way. This institution does not only present us with presents but also goes all out in providing our members with accommodation and school fees. It’s always a great pleasure being part of the team.”
“I am pleased to represent the elderly on such a great occasion. We as the elderly sometimes fail to make ends meet. However, having institutions that remember our plight is a huge milestone. We can’t go to the streets with begging bowls but I must say this company has us in mind,” said another member.
Corporates have been urged to take a leaf from the gesture to support the less privileged.
Acting ZANU PF Midlands Provincial Chairman, Cde Edison Chiherenge said, “We are gathered here to celebrate a great milestone by one of our own. The President is on record saying Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. This is what we always mean. We can’t be seen going to the Uncle Toms of this world begging for assistance when we can help our own. This is a tip to other companies operating in the province to also follow suit and help those in need.”
“As a government, we always cherish the involvement of the corporate world in assisting communities they operate in. We have our esteemed chiefs with us today on such a grand occasion who happen to be the custodians of our traditions. It’s a huge milestone that we all need to cherish and marvel at,” Acting Gweru District Development Coordinator, Mr Dadirai Mudadigwa said.
The firm says its gesture is anchored on the Second Republic’s Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo mantra.
River Valley Properties Group CEO, Dr Smelly Dube said, “We are very happy to be associated with charity events of such a magnitude. This is an annual vent we normally do to just say thank you to our stakeholders for allowing us to do business in this community. There is more joy in the hand that gives than that which receives. We are like fish and water where we can’t swim without water being represented by the community.”
Other programmes under its radar include payment of school fees to disadvantaged children and cushioning the needy with monthly allowances.
