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Herald Reporter

RESIDENTS of Kuwadzana, Harare, have applauded newly-elected Zanu PF Harare Province Women’s League chairperson Cde Betty Nhambu-Kaseke for launching a feeding programme benefiting over 300 children, the elderly and the disabled.

Under the programme, a joint partnership between Betty Kaseke Foundation, Feed Zimbabwe and Rise and Shine Foundation, beneficiaries are getting at least two meals (breakfast and lunch) per day at Kuwadzana Hall in Ward 38.

The beneficiaries are also being given face masks, soap, and sanitisers.

In an interview, Cde Nhambu-Kaseke said their beneficiaries were being identified by community care workers.

“Most of the beneficiaries are orphans from child-headed families, and underprivileged families,” she said.

“We also feed persons with disabilities drawn from the local community.

“We are also running a similar programme in Mabvuku and very soon we will also launch the programme in Epworth. Initially, we gave food hampers to the elderly and persons with disabilities, but we later saw it fit to incorporate children whom we give breakfast in the morning and another meal in the afternoon.

“We realised that most families are surviving on one meal per day, hence our intervention. We also offer the children drama, music and dancing lessons.”

Cde Kaseke appealed for donations in cash and kind.

Cde Tachiona Shateyi (78), a war veteran from Ward 38 in Kuwadzana hailed the Betty Kaseke Foundation for standing with the people in both good and bad times.

“She has done a lot for the people in this area and she has always been among us,” he said.

“Cde Kaseke attends to all our grievances as residents of Kuwadzana. In her programmes, she does not discriminate against anyone based on colour, creed or political affiliation. In short she is the mother of all in Kuwadzana.”

Another resident, Mrs Joyce Chikanya (50) from the same ward also praised the former legislator for Kuwadzana for taking care of the disadvantaged members of the community.

Apostle Brian Mhungu said such programmes complement Government efforts in raising the profile of vulnerable people. Communities are facing a plethora of challenges during Covid-19,” he said.

“The challenges include skyrocketing prices of basic commodities and a general lack of access to food due to the twin challenges of drought and Cyclone Idai.

“This initiative, therefore, comes in handy and I appeal to the corporate world and well-wishers to follow suit with similar programmes.”