Rainy Day, Sunny Hearts: Widow’s Joy at Presidential Empowerment
By Elizabeth Kucherera
Tarekera Chombo, 71, danced in the pouring rain, her conviction unshaken. As a widow of a war collaborator, she’d learned to brave storms. At a Nyanga presidential empowerment fundraising event, she beamed with hope.
A $50,000 USD disbursement for war veterans’ widows stole the show. “I’m still strong,” Chombo said, trembling with cold, “just like we were taught to be during storms and hail.” Her eyes sparkled, “Our young leaders still have us in their hearts.”
Fellow war collaborator Solomon Chiramu nodded in agreement: “Recognizing us is a good move. $50,000 for projects is a lot of money if managed well.”
Stella Nyashanu, 69, ululated with joy, “My heart is full of joy! I hope they disburse these funds without corruption.”
Special Advisor to President Emerson Mnangangwa, Dr. Paul Tungwarara assured them, “You shaped our lives, and I’ll continue supporting you,” dancing with the crowd.
The war collaborators left smiling, gratitude etched on their faces. For Chombo, “The advisor’s speech was a life-saving message.”
The Resident Minister for Manicaland Province, Mishek Mugadza, told the leaders of empowerment funds not to give residents hard cash but projects. He further appealed for a lot of assistance in selling their outcomes of the project for easy returns. “May the leaders of these funds give projects like poultry, not hard cash to beneficiaries, and also assist in selling their produce for smooth movement.”
Member of Parliament for Nyanga North, Chido Sanyatwe, applauded the efforts by the President for reviving the remote areas. She thanked the advisor, Mr. Tungwarara, for his tremendous effort in leaving no one behind. “I would like to thank the Special Advisor, Paul Tungwarara, for all these efforts in reviving our community through these empowerment funds. My constituency has no opposition councilors since 2018 up to now, and I hope my people will remain in the ruling party forever and with these empowerment, they will continue to see the good things about our president.”
Mrs. Sanyatwe further appealed for help in funding for their mining activities, funding for their vocational trainings facilities, and also funding for their roads rehabilitation.
