Story by Fungai Jachi
HARARE-THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Commissioner-General’s Goodwill Trust Fund has received a significant financial injection following a US$100 000 investment from local property development firm, West Properties, towards the establishment of a popcorn production factory.
The income-generating project is expected to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Trust Fund, while creating employment and supporting disadvantaged communities, including persons living with disabilities.
Speaking at a fundraising golf tournament hosted by the ZPCS in Harare on Friday, West Properties Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Tatiana Ellis, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing social transformation.
“I am pleased to note that the Commissioner-General’s Goodwill Trust Fund is reaching beyond its initial scope to also support persons living with disabilities in our communities. Disability is not inability, and by donating wheelchairs and providing support to individuals within communities, the Fund is helping to unlock potential and restore dignity through improved mobility. While the efforts are challenged by limited resources, the commitment to uplift the disadvantaged remains unwavering. Hence, the call for more support towards this noble cause,” she said.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by limited resources, Mrs Ellis called for greater private sector support to complement existing efforts in uplifting marginalised groups.
ZPCS Commissioner-General Moses Chihobvu expressed gratitude for the donation and applauded the growing spirit of collaborative philanthropy.
“This investment will not only sustain the Goodwill Trust Fund, but also create opportunities for empowerment and self-sufficiency. We are truly grateful for the generosity and commitment to our mission. Together, we can create lasting impact and brighter futures for the less privileged,” he said.
Established in 2011, the Commissioner-General’s Goodwill Trust Fund has made notable strides in supporting vulnerable children.
To date, the fund has assisted 450 disadvantaged children, with 269 having completed their education.
A further 181 beneficiaries are currently receiving support.
The launch of the popcorn factory marks a new phase in the Fund’s development, shifting from reliance on donations to a model of self-sustaining community empowerment.
