The Sunday News
Tichafara Bepe, Sunday News Reporter
THE Apostolic Faith and Acts Church which renovated two primary schools in Mbembesi, Matabeleland North province yesterday launched the Dr Mluleki Foundation where members pledged to pay school fees for underprivileged children attending the two schools.
The foundation, set up by the church is set to take forward the philanthropic works of the church.
“The foundation will work to promote access to education for children coming from disadvantaged families. The foundation in its work to promote access to education will be paying all the fees and debts of the children currently attending Cameron and Emqwashwini primary schools,” said Prophet Dalindyebo Mtyida.
The church spent over R500 000 in renovating the two schools, revealed Prophet Mtyida on the sidelines of the launch.
During the launch, R10 000 was donated to each of the schools by the foundation. The church also chipped in and bought 1 000 exercise books to be shared equally among the two schools. Typocrafters, subsidiary of the Zimpapers Group also gave 1 000 exercise books to be shared among the two schools.
Zimpapers Commercial Printing Division general manager Mr Njabulo Nkomo said the company joined hands with the church and foundation to help develop communities within which the company operates.
“We came to work with the foundation after they approached us and we saw it as an opportunity through which we could help serve and be part of the community. As such we will continue to work towards improving lives in the communities within which we operate which fits well into the vision of Zimpapers,” said Mr Nkomo.
Umguza Ward 3 Councillor Vethi Tshuma said the developmental works being carried out by the foundation were welcome and urged other organisations to follow suit and help uplift rural communes. The foundation is named after a church member and South Africa-based businessman Dr Mluleki Ncube.
The donation was held as part of the church’s Easter celebrations which started last Sunday and end today. The church has also donated foodstuff to the elderly in the area and will soon set up a clinic next to the church building. A multi-purpose sports academy is also on the cards.
