John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust Donates 16.5 Tonnes of Mealie Meal to 750 Households in Tsholotsho

By Nomathemba Mathe

In response to the El Niño-induced drought impacting large parts of Zimbabwe, the John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust (JLNMT) has donated 16.5 tones of mealie meal to 750 households in Tsholotsho, offering crucial support to struggling families in the region.

The donation, distributed at Mtshina Primary School in Ward 10, is part of an ongoing initiative by the Trust to assist disadvantaged communities, with plans for continued aid in the future.

Addressing beneficiaries at the handover, Tsholotsho South MP Hon. Musa Ncube commended President Mnangagwa’s dedication to community development. She cited various infrastructure projects, such as roads, clinics, and boreholes, as evidence of the government’s commitment to supporting the Tsholotsho community during these challenging times.

“We are here today because of the president’s efforts to uplift our community, which are evident in the roads, clinics, and boreholes that have been developed,” Ncube stated.

She emphasized that the event’s purpose was to engage in meaningful discussions on development and to fulfill promises she made during her speech at last year’s rally.

“Last year, I promised that we would not be coming here just for rallies but would focus on discussing community development and supporting each other,” said the MP.

JLNMT board member Samuel Sipepa encouraged the community to accept the donation, affirming the Trust’s commitment to uplifting the area.

“This will be an ongoing project; it is not the first and last time that JLNMT will donate here. We look forward to continued support, and I encourage everyone to receive these donations warmly, as they reflect the Trust’s commitment to leave no stone unturned,” said Sipepa.

Meanwhile, the Trust’s chairman, Mr. Jabulani Nkomo, expressed gratitude for President Emerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s support, which has enabled the Trust to make significant contributions to the community.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to E. D. Mnangagwa for making our dreams a reality by providing us with these donations, which we are presenting to you,” Nkomo said.

Beneficiaries of the initiative also spoke on the hardships they face. Ms. Sehlulene Ndlovu, a local resident, highlighted the extent of food scarcity, sharing that some families can go up to three days without a meal.

“Some families in our community are struggling with hunger to the extent that they may go without food for up to three days,” Ndlovu said.

Another resident, Mgcini Sibanda, pointed to the lack of rainfall, which has hindered farming and worsened the drought’s effects.

“The community is severely affected by hunger, and the lack of rainfall is exacerbating the situation. Farming is the primary source of livelihood here, so the drought has caused a significant increase in hunger. We are grateful for the support we have received, which has helped to alleviate some of the suffering,” said Sibanda.

The JLNMT’s donation of mealie meal to the Tsholotsho community offers meaningful relief amidst the ongoing drought.

The Trust’s sustained support, alongside the government’s development initiatives, underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in uplifting and assisting communities in times of hardship.