Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
Zimbabwe has received a consignment of nearly 2,000 metric tonnes of rice from the Chinese Government as part of food assistance to mitigate the effects of the El-Nino-induced drought.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa presided over the handover ceremony of the rice consignment at State House, this Thursday.
The assistance from China feeds into the Government’s Drought Mitigation Programme to cushion communities from the El-Nino-induced drought experienced in the 2023 to 2024 summer cropping season.
The President applauded support from China which he described as an all-weather friend to Zimbabwe.
“Each time when we have this problem of food insecurity, China has always come to our aid. So, on behalf of Zimbabwe, I wish to extend my appreciation and gratitude to my brother, His Excellency, Xi Jinping, for this gesture to the people of Zimbabwe. Please convey our open stance and appreciation for the donation. It will be given to the most vulnerable in our community through our Minister for Social Welfare. We are very grateful for this donation, and again, convey to him that indeed, as a result of food insecurity, not only for Zimbabwe but in the region, is actually prevalent. But we believe that we shall continue to receive assistance and cooperation from our cooperating partners, as well as our sister republics like China. We have all this to do by us when we are faced with the challenges of this nature,” he said.
As he handed over the rice to beneficiaries, the Head of State celebrated the timely intervention.
“We have received this gift from our friends from China and Honourable Minister July Moyo will preside over the distribution of this aid to all affected communities.” He noted.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding said the donation is a testament to the excellent Sino-Zim relations.
“China and Zimbabwe enjoy very profound and comprehensive relations. Our friendship has lasted already several decades. So whenever our Zimbabwe friends have some difficulties, we, China, always provide our help. As all other friends, when Zimbabwe suffered from food, a drought issue, and a food shortage induced by El Nino, China promised to, last year actually, promised to provide emergency food assistance. This is the second time I have attended the handover ceremony. Last time was last October, we provided the first batch of emergency food assistance. It’s the second time hence also I just signed an agreement with the Honorable Minister that we’ll be providing the third batches of emergency food assistance to Zimbabwe,” he added.
Beneficiaries who include old people’s homes, rehabilitation centres and the less-privileged from various communities expressed gratitude to the Government and China for the support.
