Story by John Nhandara
INTERFAITH organisations and several ZANU PF affiliates have received funding under the Presidential Empowerment Scheme, which will enable members to venture into income-generating projects.
Manicaland Province now benefits from the latest phase of a high-level national empowerment drive.
The funding is creating downstream benefits for ordinary people.
“The fund is transforming us, as we are now embarking on empowerment programmes. We have already seen tangible results through similar previous empowerment schemes. For us as members of the church, we will be able to build our church and empower our members as well,” a beneficiary said.
Presidential Investment Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara, said the funds are a direct response to the social and economic needs of the people.
“I have been sent as a messenger. We are here for one reason, which is empowerment to turn the vision of the President into a tangible reality. The funds we are disbursing are a direct investment from His Excellency the President to you. He has listened to your struggles, and he is responding with action. This means ED delivers. We understand the economic pressures faced by our people, leaving no one and no place behind,” noted the Presidential Investment Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara.
The funding is designed to support community projects and people’s participation in the formal economy.
“We want tangible things and seek betterment. We must embark on empowerment programmes. This revolving fund is to empower you, and that is what brought us. Churches have a strong bond with the ruling party. We must empower you. The President is remembering you,” ZANU PF National Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha said.
“The church and government are working together, and we want that unity to continue. In Manicaland, the government is doing a lot, including the Forbes border upgrading,” Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution-Manicaland Province, Honourable Misheck Mugadza added.
Some of the affiliates that received the presidential empowerment fund include Cross Borders for ED, Vapostori for ED, Health Ambassadors for ED and National Multi-Faith Economic Dialogue, among others.
