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Cletus Mushanawani Mutare Bureau
THERE was an uproar among members of the Zanu-PF Women’s League in Manicaland last Saturday after some members said they were unaware that First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe had donated chicks to the province.

This emerged during Women’s League provincial chairperson Cde Estry Mlambo Madhuku’s presentation to the provincial inter-district in Mutare.

Cde Madhuku told the meeting: “We received 1 000 chicks from our leader and First Lady, Dr Amai Grace Mugabe, early this year. Each district got 125 chicks. This is a pass-on programme.

“We also received $200, which we channelled to a savings and credit facility which we are running.”

Most of the women delegates interjected saying they were hearing about the chickens for the first time.

“Where are the chickens? Who are the beneficiaries? We want transparency here,” shouted the women, drowning Cde Madhuku’s voice in the process.

The intervention of Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Cde Mandi Chimene and Women’s League National Secretary for Administration, Cde Letina Undenge, saved the day for Cde Madhuku, who was at pains to explain how the chicks were distributed.

“Last week, I wrote to all districts to give us detailed accounts of how the chicks were distributed. Yes, they were received here in Manicaland and we have the names of the beneficiaries. They did not disappear,’’ said Cde Undenge.

“We have all the records and we will make follow-ups with the beneficiaries. This is a pass-on programme where the beneficiaries are expected to empower others by passing on more chicks,” she said.

She said more chicks would be availed in the near future.

“We will be closely monitoring the distribution and implementation of the project. We know that our members are hardworking and will never disappoint the First Lady, she said.

“Teams will be sent to the ground for a verification exercise. There will be transparency. Records will also be availed. When the next batch of chicks comes, the first beneficiaries should give others a chance to also benefit,” said Cde Undenge.

The first batch of chicks for Manicaland, which were being distributed through Profeeds, was received in January.

The chicks were expected to be distributed to Zanu-PF’s eight administrative districts in Manicaland.

Speaking at the distribution, Cde Madhuku, said: “We are delighted. We would like to thank Dr Mugabe for the kind gesture. These income-generating projects will assist us to fend for our families instead of depending on handouts.

“She always preaches about self-sustenance and I am glad that she has led by example. We will today buy stockfeeds and make sure that the projects will continue growing and benefit more people.

“Each constituency will get an equal share. Dr Amai Mugabe pledged the chicks in December last year soon after the Zanu-PF 16th National People’s Conference held in Masvingo. Dr Amai Mugabe always supports us in our self-sustenance initiatives,” she added.