The Sunday News
Sunday News Reporters
A GROUP of United Kingdom-based Zimbabweans have launched an initiative to reach out to vulnerable members of society in Bulawayo’s western suburbs, where they have been donating food hampers and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the middle of Covid-19 pandemic.
The initiative was launched in April, with more than 300 families benefiting from the programme, which seeks to cushion families affected by adverse effects of the Covid-19-induced lockdown.
Miss Nonzima Masuku, who is representing the group in the country said it was imperative for Zimbabweans across the globe to unite and assist vulnerable communities in the country.
“Since the lockdown many families have been struggling to have a decent meal, as well as to protect themselves against Covid-19. We saw it fit to chip in and assist our fellow kinsmen by donating basic commodities such as mealie-meal, flour, cooking oil, beans, sugar, as well as sanitisers,” said Miss Masuku.
Last Wednesday Miss Masuku donated food hampers, as well as face masks, to 50 elderly residents of Barbourfields and Mzilikazi suburbs.
Of the 50, 10 were identified by the widow of Highlanders legend Barry Daka, Mrs Sitembile Daka, who also benefited from the donation.
Mrs Daka also runs a charity organisation called Community Children Christian Clubs.
The other 40 were identified through a senior citizens association — Sikhulile Senior Citizens Club in the same neighbourhood. The donation is part of a series of donations that have been ongoing since April.
“We took the elderly through a course on how to maintain hygiene, use of sanitisers, masks and to always adhere to the rules of the lockdown. We also emphasised the need to practice social distancing, as it is a new phenomenon to them. We are planning on identifying and reaching out to other communities in need of assistance,” she said.
The group has so far made similar donations to other suburbs that include Pumula. One of the beneficiaries of the initiative Ms Catherine Kumbota who is also the secretary of Sikhulile Senior Citisens Club said they were appreciative of the gesture given that they had no source of income.
“Ever since the lockdown began we have been surviving from handouts and we are grateful towards the donation that our children have given us, as it will go a long way in ensuring our survival during these hard times,” said Ms Kumbota.
