First Lady hailed for all-inclusive approach

VILLAGERS in Matabeleland South Province have hailed First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa for the generous work she is doing for the children nationwide commending her non-partisan approach.

Mnangagwa toured Ekhaya Kip Keano Orphanage in Gwanda District on Friday and spent most of her time playing and dancing with children from all walks of life.

In interviews with villagers on the sidelines of the event, it was gathered that people were humbled and expressed gratitude for the gesture shown by the First Lady.

The day was filled with smiles from kindergarten to the aged as the First Lady mingled with the poor and the marginalised with a tenderness that filled the air and could almost be touched.

"What I envy about the First Lady is that she said the donation does not matter whether you are a MDC or Zanu-PF member and that shows her undying love for the children, love for the Zimbabweans," said a Makwe villager Mrs Miriam Ndlovu.

The children could not hide their joy as they played with the First Lady and received Christmas gifts.

"I am very happy today that I played with the President's wife. Who could have imagined me of all the people doing that," said a Makwe Primary School Grade Two pupil Princess Dube.

The move by the First Lady to donate to children has been viewed as a response to the villagers' needs considering the economic situation in the country.

"I am happy that the mother of Zimbabwe has lifted a load off me this season as our children got toys and this also goes to when the schools open as they were also given exercise books, we thank you First Lady," said a Freda Mine resident Ms Hloniphani Sibanda.

People from all over the province thronged the venue to witness the first visit by the First Lady to Matabeleland South Province.

"I am very happy to have witnessed this event as it enabled me to see for myself that the First Lady is really a humble person," said Mr Thomas Ndlovu from Gwanda.

The actions by the First Lady on the day left the community at large amazed at how understanding and humble she is.

"I never thought I would come to see this day, where the second most respected person in a country is so down to earth and understanding. This shows that the new era is in the heading the right direction," said Mr Thabiso Moyo.

A member of MDC-T who requested anonymity said the First Lady should be highly commended for who she is.

"I may be from the opposition but as humans we should learn to appreciate good things. The character of the First Lady is one thing that as people we should commend as not only does it create unity but many things," he said.

The unconditional love exhibited by the First Lady saw her asserting that she wishes to know more about the languages and culture of the people of Matebeleland South Province.