Angel of Hope touches lives in Matabeleland

Ashley Phiri in Bulawayo

A palpable sense of gratitude and warmth filled the air on Tuesday at the United College of Education (UCE) in Bulawayo as vulnerable members of society comprising people with disabilities, the elderly and orphans received donations from the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.

The donation comprised blankets, mealie meal, beans, rice, salt, bathing and washing soap, sugar, cooking oil and tea leaves.

The gesture by the mother of the nation brought much-needed comfort and joy to beneficiaries from Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South provinces.

Among the beneficiaries was Ms Loveness Moyo, a 28-year-old woman from Mzilikazi suburb in Bulawayo with a radiant smile and an infectious positive energy despite her physical limitations.

Ms Moyo, who has been wheelchair-bound since a childhood accident, expressed her profound gratitude to the First Lady for the gesture

“These blankets are not just gifts, but a symbol of care and kindness. During the cold nights, they will remind us that we are not alone and that our mother, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa takes care of our well-being,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.

Her words echoed the sentiments of many other beneficiaries.

The blankets, in vibrant hues and soft textures, were more than mere physical comforts, they represented hope and a tangible connection to a broader, caring community.

As the First Lady personally handed each blanket and hampers to the recipients, she took the time to engage with them, listening to their stories, their struggles and aspirations.

Her genuine interest and warmth were evident in every interaction.

One of the older recipients, Ms Miriam Ndlovu, an 85-year-old woman from Gwanda who lost her mobility due to polio, held her new blanket and winter jackets close.

“This blanket will keep me warm, but it also warms my heart to know that someone out there thinks of us. With the food hampers, hunger no longer has a place in my house. I am forever grateful to the First Lady,” she said, her eyes glistening with tears.

The distribution event was not just a moment of giving; it was a celebration of resilience and compassion. The First Lady’s visit uplifted spirits, reinforcing the message that every individual, regardless of their physical limitations, is a valued member of society.

Through her Angel of Hope Foundation, Dr Mnangagwa has been a beacon of compassion and support, particularly for children in vulnerable situations.

Mthokozisi Ncube (13) from Hwange District in Matabeleland North, an orphan whose parents died in an accident two years ago, was all smiles as he received the donation.

For Mthokozisi, the support from the Angel of Hope Foundation is a lifeline as it eases their daily struggles and lightens the load that rests so heavily on his young shoulders.

“It’s been so hard after losing our parents in a crash, but knowing someone cares gives me strength to keep going. This donation has come at the right time because a household cannot run without food, and the blankets will help to keep us warm, especially now since we are in winter.”

Another beneficiary, 14-year-old Beyonce Tshuma, an orphan from Gwanda District in Matabeleland South said: “I don’t know how to express my gratitude for what our mother has done for us today. Her love and consideration for us orphans warms my heart and it will go a long way in helping me cope with the loss of my parents,” she said.

She said the warmth of Dr Mnangagwa’s gesture will linger long after the blankets have provided comfort through many chilly nights.

Beyond the material assistance, the First Lady’s teachings on motherhood and parenting have resonated deeply with attendees.

Parents applauded her for providing guidance and support, empowering them.

Ms Sarah Chipwanyira of Beitbridge said she is grateful for the donation and the teachings on raising children.

“Amai didn’t discriminate against us. She empowered us, not only with food and blankets, but also with knowledge of how to take care of our children. We were taught the importance of instilling discipline in our children because if we don’t we are the same ones who will suffer the consequences,” she said.

“She also taught us to promote good behaviour in our children. As a gathering especially as mothers we agreed that it is not wrong to discipline our children by beating them, not to hurt them, but to keep them on a straight path.”

Mr Raymond Chasauka, another beneficiary from Beitbridge, thanked Dr Mnangagwa for remembering them at a time when their children and grandchildren had forgotten them due to drug and substance abuse.

“I would like to thank Amai because she is a mother who loves all her children equally despite their social backgrounds. I was given groceries and a blanket, something my grandchildren have failed to do for me,” he said.

“I also want to thank Amai for listening to us and telling us that we should discipline our children, the same way our parents did with us when we were growing up. Beating them doesn’t mean we hate them, but shows love and it’s a way of upholding our traditional values.”

The event also featured a scintillating performance by Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (IYASA), which highlighted the challenges faced by widows and the importance of protecting widows’ rights.

The captivating play depicted a widow who lost everything she had, including her children to her husband’s family after she was accused of witchcraft and blamed for her husband’s death.

Dr Mnangagwa complemented the performance by offering practical advice during an interactive session with the community during which she encouraged women to empower themselves.

She also encouraged widows to carry themselves with dignity and respect even after their husbands had passed on.

During the community interactions, one of the beneficiaries, Ms Josephine Phiri from Bubi said parents should neither support nor encourage their children to do wrong.

“There are parents here who are partly to blame for the wrongdoing of their children. Honestly, how can a parent accept groceries from a school child? Where do you think the groceries came from?” she quizzed.

Dr Mnangagwa promised the women a conference where they would discuss all the matters affecting them. – Herald