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First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe

Herald Reporter
The International Islamic Relief Organisation of Saudi Arabia yesterday donated foodstuffs worth more than US$60 000 to 5 000 households in Nharira, Chikomba district.

Established in Zimbabwe three years ago, the organisation is also involved in other projects such as eye cataract removal and borehole drilling.

The foodstuffs, which included rice, sugar, salt, cooking oil and maize meal were sourced through First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe’s friendship with the Islamic Relief Organisation of Saudi Arabia.

Dr Mugabe did not attend the distribution of the food stuffs due to other engagements.

Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha presided over the distribution.

In his address, Minister Bimha hailed Dr Mugabe for forging friendships beneficial to the country.

He said although Government was sourcing maize for drought relief, Dr Mugabe’s efforts were commendable.

“If children are dying because of hunger, people will start to ask where the mother of that family is. Our mother heard that there is drought this year in most parts of the country, and she managed to source food from her friends

“This programme started here in Chikomba but she is the mother of the whole nation, and it is going to cascade to other parts of the country. We want to thank her together with her friends for coming with this food relief programme. You heard the President saying no one should die because of hunger and this gesture by Dr Mugabe and her friends is commendable. Government is doing its best in sourcing food, but we should bear in mind that it has other pressing commitments.”

Minister Bimha paid tribute to the International Islamic Relief Organisation of Saudi Arabia for its support, which came with no strings attached.

He said others only wanted to help Zimbabwe in cases where they also stood to benefit.

Said Minister Bimha: “As beneficiaries, you should also be grateful and ensure that the food is distributed fairly. Everyone here should benefit and we do not want to hear of cases of indiscriminate distribution of the food.”

Chairman of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe Mr Adam Salamao said: “We want the food to reach the people. Zimbabweans are asking for more food, and this is just one province and there are nine more. We want our cooperation with you people to continue so that Zimbabwe remains stable and peaceful.”

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Fred Guvakuva, said: “I want to thank Amai Mugabe for her efforts to ensure that we get food. I urge her to remain resolute and optimistic in whatever she does.”

Another beneficiary, Mrs Francisca Mutawu, said: “I am happy and may God bless and guide Amai Mugabe because she is doing a great job for the nation.”

Last year, the International Islamic Relief Organisation of Saudi Arabia successfully operated on 550 people with eye cataracts at Kaguvi Eye Clinic at the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and is targeting the same number this year.

The organisation also donated foodstuffs to flood victims in Muzarabani, and other people in need of food aid in Chinhoyi and Mhangura.

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