Thousands grace First Lady’s Widows Association Matabeleland launch

Tendai Rupapa in BULAWAYO

THOUSANDS of widows from Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces ululated and danced with excitement following the emphatic launch of the Matabeleland chapter of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Widows Association.

The First Lady’s Widows Association is an empowerment initiative aimed at easing widows’ plight and enhancing their self-sustenance hence contributing meaningfully to the development of the country’s economy.

This brings to eight the number of provinces where the initiative has been launched as part of a deliberate plan to ensure no place and no one is left behind.

The widows received 4 500 chicks together with feed from the starter level to finish for them to start the poultry project.

Amai Mnangagwa through her Angel of Hope Foundation also gave them groceries to start shops.

They received 15 tonnes of flour, 8 tonnes for road runner feed, 900kg rice, 252 cases of drinks, 252 cases of water, cases of flour, macaroni, soap, sugar and boxes of cornflakes. The consignment also included packets of snacks.

The mother of the nation implored the women to start working as provinces before later dividing the profits to set up similar enterprises at district level until it reaches to individual level.

She implored the women to organise themselves into committees of at least seven people with a chairperson, a secretary, a finance representative and committee members.

The First Lady has a passion for the upliftment of the girl child and women, among many other vulnerable groups.

In her remarks at the launch, Dr Mnangagwa said her initiative was a testament to her commitment to uplift and empower women who have borne the brunt of life’s adversities with grace and fortitude.

“Through the ages, women have been quiet architects of our societies, nurturing families, leading communities and persevering through formidable challenges. Today, we convene to honour the indomitable spirit that resides within every woman, particularly widows, who, despite experiencing profound loss, continue to personify strength and fortitude.

“Dear mothers, the journey to empowerment is crafted through diligent effort, unwavering dedication and a steadfast pursuit of excellence. In this rapidly changing world, it is crucial that we not only envision our aspirations, but also fervently act upon them with resolve and tenacity,” she said to applause.

Diligence, the First Lady said, is the bedrock of achievement and through united endeavours, people can transform their circumstances and the futures of their children.

“Let us wholeheartedly embrace the principle of hard work, confident that our labour will bear fruitful results. I have established the First Lady’s Widows Association with the aspiration of empowering women who have lost their spouses, guiding them from a place of sorrow to one of self-actualisation.

“As women, the transition from grief to acceptance is pivotal and it is vital that we evolve beyond a victim mentality to one characterised by proactive empowerment. Although the obstacles we encounter are tangible and significant, we must not allow them to define our destinies.

“Rather, let us tap into our inner strength and resilience to assume control of our destinies. By taking proactive steps, we can assure our families’ well-being, create new avenues of opportunity and construct a promising future. It is through our shared efforts and resolve that we can define our lives and the lives of those we cherish,” she said.

The path to empowerment, Dr Mnangagwa said, is paved with hard work, dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

In a rapidly evolving world, she said, it was imperative that the nation not only dreams, but also acts on those dreams with determination and strength.

“Hard work is the cornerstone of success and it is through our collective efforts that we can transform our lives and the lives of our children. Let us embrace the ethos of hard work, knowing that our endeavours will yield bountiful results,” she said.

Dr Mnangagwa said she was elated to announce that several partners of Angel of Hope Foundation had contributed the donation of start-up resources to support the widows’ entrepreneurial venture.

“The resources are not for home consumption, they are strategic investments in your potential and your future, they are not for personal use but are for business purposes for you to generate streams of income. It is my fervent hope that these start-ups will serve as catalysts for sustainable growth and economic independence.

“As we embark on this transformative journey, let us remember that success is not solely measured by the resources we receive but by how effectively we utilise them.

“I urge each one of you to seize these opportunities with both hands, to innovate, to collaborate and to strive for excellence. The success of these start-ups will not only uplift your families, but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for other women across our nation to pursue their dreams with power,” she said.

The First Lady enjoined all stakeholders, community leaders and all citizens to rally behind the noble cause.

“Together we can create an enabling environment where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, where widows are not seen as vulnerable but as pillars of strength and agents of change,” she said to applause.

Evangelist Nelly Gwatidzo paid tribute to the First Lady for her all-encompassing nature and non-selective approach.

“I want us to thank our mother who doesn’t look at one’s status in life whether one is a widow or not, she embraces all. She is saying to widows, don’t keep mourning, but arise and use your hands to work for the family that was left in your hands.

“She is saying widows are like stainless steel cups which do not get damaged when dropped. Unlike a clay cup which gets shattered, a stainless steel cup can be picked from the ground and used to drink tea.

“As a widow, you encounter many obstacles including being dispossessed of the property you worked for. But do not keep mourning, dust yourself and stand up to look after your family,” she said.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Chaplin Christine Phiri of the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Service.

She implored widows to arise and started by giving her testimony of being widowed at the age of 21.

“Accepting that you lost a loved one is the first step to healing. Our mother is saying widows arise and work because the mourning period is over. Don’t keep looking down and miserable while singing “Whom should I tell of the pain in my heart”. Work hard and you will soon realise that some of your concerns will be solved.

“For you to work, be healthy, always go under health checks including cancer screening. We are grateful to Amai who is always availing her mobile hospital and clinic which she takes across the country bringing healthcare to our doorsteps. If you incubate curable diseases, you prevent yourself from working. Stand up, arise and work,” she said.

Beneficiaries of the programme paid tribute to the First Lady for her boundless love.

“I thank the First Lady for her boundless love. I lost my husband three years ago and I was struggling to put food on the table for my young family. This programme is a lifeline that I will never throw away. May God bless the First Lady,” said Mrs Sinikiwe Ndlovu of Bulawayo with happiness.

Another widow, Mrs Nancy Khumalo of Matabeleland North, shed tears of joy.

“I have received the empowerment that I yearned for right on my doorstep. Our mother has shown us the way and the onus is pretty on us to work hard and not betray her trust. I want to ensure we multiply the resources she has given us today for the benefit of other widows countrywide. Our mother is the best,” she said. Similar sentiments were echoed by Mrs Sikhatele Tshuma of Matabeleland South.

“I was almost tempted to join the world’s oldest profession following the demise of my husband because I was failing to make ends meet. I will put my maximum effort into the programme so that I raise my children in a dignified manner and do not become the laughing stock. Amai Mnangagwa has great love for the people and may the good Lord bless her and award her more years on earth,” she said happily.

Earlier, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube praised the First Lady for enabling widows to rise back on their feet following the death of their spouses.

“It is with honour and pleasure to welcome you all to this significant gathering. Today we come together to show our support and solidarity with our widowed sisters who have faced unimaginable loss and continue to demonstrate remarkable strength and resilience.

“The First Lady of the Second Republic of Zimbabwe established the First Lady’s Widows Association with the desire to empower women from all provinces in Zimbabwe who have lost their dear husbands. Therefore, to our dear widows and all women from all three Matabeleland Provinces, the Angel of Hope Foundation is there to support you where possible. Our First Lady heard your cries.

“Umama is here for you. We recognise the heinous challenges you have faced and continue to face and the First Lady’s presence here is a testament that you are not alone,” Minister Ncube said.

Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Evelyn Ndlovu praised the First Lady for being warmhearted.

“Amai is warmhearted. She loves and accommodates everyone. She is also playing a pivotal role in the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage through her programmes, including nhanga/gota/ixhiba,” she said.

Amai Mnangagwa further donated several tonnes of rice and flour to all those who attended for home consumption. – Herald