Professor Mthuli Ncube donates four tonnes of mealie-meal

The Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has donated four tonnes of mealie-meal to two care homes in Bulawayo as part of his continued efforts to alleviate food insecurity in vulnerable communities.

Through the Mthuli Ncube Foundation, Professor Ncube made donations to Helping Hand for Life in Bellevue and Qinisani Day Care Orphanage in Nkulumane. In addition, he donated 30 bags of mealie-meal to Gogo Vundla, a resident of Cowdray Park who has selflessly dedicated her life to caring for 12 orphans.

Speaking during the donation event, Professor Ncube underscored the importance of sustained community support, especially in the face of Zimbabwe's ongoing economic challenges.

"No child should go to bed hungry. Today, we are not just donating mealie-meal but also investing in the future of our children," he said. "When people take an active role in supporting vulnerable communities, it not only boosts morale but also encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors. Such initiatives can lead to sustainable programmes that address food insecurity on a larger scale."

Gogo Vundla, who has become affectionately known as "Jesus" in her community for her commitment to caring for orphans, expressed her deep gratitude for the donation, calling it a much-needed lifeline for the children she cares for.

"This support means everything to us. It not only ensures consistent meals but also provides a sense of security and love for these children. For many of them, this donation eases the burden of worrying about their next meal, allowing them to focus on their education and personal growth," said Gogo Vundla.

Professor Ncube also pledged to pay the school fees for the orphans under Gogo Vundla's care, emphasizing his foundation's commitment to both the nutritional and educational well-being of vulnerable children.

The donation was warmly welcomed by Mrs. Yona Mpofu, director of Qinisani Day Care Orphanage, who described it as a much-needed intervention in light of rising food prices.

"While the donation is a commendable effort, it also serves as a passionate plea for continued support for vulnerable communities. Minister Ncube's visit is a reminder that collective action is needed to combat food insecurity," said Mrs. Mpofu.

Mrs. Dainah Ndoro, co-director of Helping Hand for Life, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the impact of community-driven initiatives. "With every meal provided, the future looks brighter for the children in care homes and the families they represent. Minister Ncube's donation not only supplies immediate relief but also highlights the power of the community in fighting food insecurity," she said.

The Mthuli Ncube Foundation's broader initiatives include not only providing food aid but also supporting education and economic empowerment programs. The foundation's work has been widely praised for complementing national efforts to eradicate poverty and food insecurity.

In November last year, the foundation, in partnership with Tzu Chi Zimbabwe, donated 10,000 tonnes of rice to residents of Cowdray Park. As part of his continued efforts to transform Cowdray Park into a modern, vibrant urban center, Professor Ncube has also pledged to install WiFi at Cowdray Park Secondary School and donate books to its library.

Last December, the foundation donated 1,000 bags of mealie-meal and other food hampers to families in Bulawayo and Matobo District, offering much-needed relief during the festive season.

Professor Ncube's philanthropic actions serve as a powerful reminder of the role that both individuals and communities can play in addressing the challenges of food insecurity and supporting vulnerable populations across Zimbabwe.