The Sunday News
Nokukhanya Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
LUPANE State University staff members and students donated more than 1 000 A4 exercise books, 70 Grade Seven textbooks and clothes to Tsholotsho flood victims on Friday.
The donation was handed over to Sipepa Police Officer-in-Charge Inspector Kholisani Nkala by the university’s marketing and public relations director Mr Zwelithini Dlamini at Sipepa Camp. Speaking after the donation, Mr Dlamini said it was the duty of the institution to help the needy.
“It is our duty as the institution to help where there is a need. It is also our social responsibility as an institution to respond, we are a human institution that is responsible to the communities,” he said.
He said they were also fulfilling the university’s motto that says “Building Communities Through Knowledge”.
“As a university we are touched by the situation that befell our fellow citizens and we will continue supporting them,” said Mr Dlamini.
Insp Nkala, who is part of the committee that oversees the donations at the camp praised the university for remembering the unfortunate villagers.
“It is very humbling and comforting to know that you are also sharing with the people of Tsholotsho the problem that has befallen us. We believe what you have given us will go a long way in lessening the food problems at the camp,” said Insp Nkala.
Insp Nkala said the camp was facing a shortage of blankets since winter was approaching.
“Together with the chief, councillors and village heads, we have identified a new safer place to move the villagers. They are going to be relocated to Tsholotsho’s Chino village where the National Youth Service is already constructing toilets with the help of youths from the district.”
Recently, the Provincial Adminstrator for Matabeleland North, Ms Latiso Dlamini, urged well wishers to shift focus and find ways of assisting the resettled people with building material.
“They have to start building homes in areas where they have been resettled in, and it won’t be easy. They are starting from zero and definitely need assistance in that regard,” she said.
