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Nesia Mhaka Herald Reporter
The South African community in Zimbabwe and Anglo American Zimbabwe have donated goods worth thousands of dollars to Jairos Jiri Association as part of the Nelson Mandela International Day celebrations.

The South African community donated food items such flour, rice, mealie-meal, cooking oil, biscuits, milk and diapers while Anglo American Zimbabwe donated 10 wheelchairs.

Speaking during the handover of the donation last week, South African ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Mphakama Mbete called on Zimbabweans to be committed to the welfare of vulnerable children.

“Children are considered as the building blocks of a strong nation,” he said.

“The celebration of this day reminds us to renew our commitment towards children’s welfare, including their health care, education among others.

“This annual event has given an opportunity for South African compatriots in Zimbabwe to actively take part in charity, giving back to local communities, especially giving the vulnerable children an extra portion of love and care, followed by donations.”

Ambassador Mbete said the South African community in Zimbabwe will continue to promote cooperation between the two countries.

Anglo American Zimbabwe secretary Mr Pisirai Ngwengwende said the community should always look out for vulnerable children.

“Do whatever it is you can, no matter how small even just spending time with the children is enough because it shows them that they are loved,” said Mr Ngwengwende.

President of the Jairos Jiri board Dr Alver Senderayi thanked the South African community and Anglo American for the donation.

“The association derives immense inspiration from this outstanding and very rare sense of social responsibility, distinctive empathy for people with disabilities and unrelenting dedication towards the amelioration of their plight by noble citizens of our country,” he said.

“It is our fervent hope and thrust that this new unique bond of partnership that has been forged between the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa and Jairos Jiri Association will continue to hold and that the good seed you have sown today will grow from strength to strength for the benefit of the much deserving men, women, boys and girls with disabilities who benefit in a very fundamental way through our diverse programmes each year.”