Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has stepped up efforts to ensure food security for communities affected by the El Niño-induced drought, beginning with the donation of six tonnes of mealie meal to the Matetsi community in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province.
This is the first phase of a three-part donation that will ultimately total over 17 tonnes, signifying growing bilateral cooperation aimed at alleviating hunger and improving rural livelihoods.
The mealie meal consignment was warmly received by the Matetsi community, where residents expressed deep gratitude.
“We will certainly have something to feed our families, many thanks to Amai for the mealie meal,” a beneficiary said.
“This will cushion us definitely, it will take us somewhere, we are thankful,” another beneficiary said.
“Life will not be the same, this will add to what we have, thank you Amai,” a beneficiary added.
Traditional leaders and representatives from the UAE reaffirmed their commitment to improving livelihoods across Zimbabwe.
“We are thankful to the First Lady for remembering us. I encourage continued efforts to build our country. We also appreciate this community’s efforts in preserving wildlife may this continue so future generations can enjoy these natural treasures,” Chief Hwange, Amos Chibaya said.
“This food is not just for today it carries a message of hope and togetherness it shows the values of kindness, support, and working together values that the UAE believes in. We hope this help will make a difference and be the beginning of more good work between our two countries,” UAE Deputy Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Rashed Al Shamsi.
In a speech read on her behalf by Mr Fulton Mangwanya, Director General in the President’s Department, the First Lady highlighted the significance of the United Arab Emirates’ gesture in supporting Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.
“It is my wish to see everyone benefiting from this initiative and continue until we are satisfied with our 2025 harvest. I am very optimistic that our people’s livelihoods will inevitably be greatly improved. However, I challenge this community to value the gesture made here by UAE bearing in mind that we are the builders of our nation that answers to the president’s mantra “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi balo” which is our guiding philosophy for the Second Republic.
“I have no doubt that these initiatives will provide for all the families in this community and beyond. Above all, I encourage all stakeholders and the business community to take advantage of the tourism economic space in and around Victoria Falls City engaging in further partnerships with relevant stakeholders to realise potential economic benefits. The government’s quest to achieve an Upper-middle-income economy by 2030 will inevitably be realised if we can have such initiatives at the grassroots level,” he said.
The UAE and Zimbabwean governments are collaborating to support Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1, focusing on key areas like food and nutrition security from 2021 to 2025.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 1, which aims to eradicate poverty.
