President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged that the Second Republic will prioritize food security for Zimbabweans despite the challenges posed by the El Niño-induced drought. Speaking in Harare on Wednesday during the handover of over 90 service vehicles to traditional leaders, the President emphasized the crucial role that chiefs will play in the ongoing food distribution program within rural communities.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of traditional leaders, asserting that no one would be left out of the food distribution exercise. “To date, five tonnes of food have been distributed in each ward countrywide, with chiefs spearheading the distribution through the **Zunde RaMambo** program,” he stated. He acknowledged that the nation is experiencing one of its worst droughts due to climate change, but reassured citizens that measures are in place to prevent starvation.
The President elaborated on the **Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala SeNkosi** initiative, noting its importance in mobilizing traditional leaders to aid the needy. “My government shall remain steadfast in distributing food to ensure that no one starves,” he reiterated. The provision of service vehicles to chiefs is part of a broader strategy to enhance their roles as custodians of land and culture. “This initiative aligns with our government policy to empower chiefs every five years,” he explained, linking their responsibilities to the nation’s Vision 2030 goals of achieving an upper-middle-income economy.
In addition to food security efforts, the government is working to uplift the livelihoods of traditional leaders through various programs, including medical assistance schemes and funeral packages. The ongoing empowerment of chiefs includes the establishment of rural business units and the sinking of 35,000 boreholes to ensure access to clean water and irrigation. With these measures, President Mnangagwa aims to bolster the resilience of rural communities and enhance the dignity of traditional leadership in Zimbabwe.
In other news – South Africa repatriates remains of 16 freedom fighters from Zimbabwe
On Wednesday, South Africa marked a poignant occasion as it repatriated the remains of 16 freedom fighters who died in exile in Zimbabwe between 1960 and 1990. The handover ceremony took place at the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Science, drawing emotional responses from attendees.
Among the deceased were two women, both associated with the Pan African Congress (PAC) and Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC). Sibongile Besani, ANC Head of Presidency, expressed gratitude to the Zimbabwean government, highlighting the significance of the event. Read More
