Restaurants4ED launches feeding programme for Bulawayo's homeless

RESTAURANTS for Economic Development (Restaurants4ED), a Zanu-PF affiliate, has launched a feeding programme targeting vulnerable and homeless people in Bulawayo, in an initiative aimed at complementing Government efforts to support marginalised communities.

The programme was launched at Centenary Park and is aligned with President Mnangagwa's development philosophy of "leaving no one and no place behind", as well as the ruling party's broader agenda of extending social assistance across all 10 provinces.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, who was represented by her office's deputy director for co-ordination, Mr Pardon Mnyaka, said the initiative reflected a strong commitment to social inclusion.

"This is a thoughtful programme hosted by Restaurants4ED, and we would like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to the organisation for conceptualising and implementing such a noble initiative," she said.

"In a world where many have turned a blind eye to suffering, they have chosen to step forward - to feed, to clothe, to dance and celebrate with children. No one should be left behind, especially our children."

Restaurants4ED national chairperson Ms Ntombenhle Ncube said the feeding programme was part of the organisation's contribution towards President Mnangagwa's inclusive development agenda and Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy.

"Zimbabwe, under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, is working towards becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030, and as Restaurants4ED we are rallying behind that national vision," she said.

"We are saying that as long as Restaurants4ED exists, no homeless child should go hungry. We are appealing to players in the food industry to join hands in feeding the nation for a better Zimbabwe, truly leaving no one and no place behind."

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Phylon Proud Moyo, expressed gratitude for the assistance but appealed for more sustainable empowerment initiatives.

"I would really like to appreciate the President for sending such people in our direction. We are not here because we are mentally ill, thieves or drug addicts. We are ordinary people facing life's hardships," he said.

"All we ask for is lasting empowerment. We are hard-working individuals who survive through honest work, and we would appreciate opportunities for employment to help us change our circumstances."

The feeding programme is expected to continue as part of Restaurants4ED's ongoing community outreach efforts targeting vulnerable groups in Bulawayo.