First Lady ropes in women in caring for the elderly, disabled, orphans
. . . cleans homes, feeds the vulnerable groups
TALES of neglect, loneliness, boredom and a quest for love among the elderly, those with disabilities and child-headed families were cured on yesterday when First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa paid them an impromptu visit in Mutasa District, Manicaland.
She cleaned their homes, did laundry for them, prepared and shared a sumptuous meal with them in a show of love aimed at inculcating a sense of responsibility in communities.
Rarely do communities and some families visit the elderly, care about their health nor perform various tasks for them, hence the First Lady’s intervention and educative teaching.
Most elderly people have chronic illnesses and find it difficult to fetch water, firewood as well as perform a host of domestic tasks.
Others, who stay alone, spend most of their time hungry because they can no longer cook.
However, yesterday was a different ball game altogether because of the First Lady’s visit.
She gave them blankets, clothes, winter jackets, cooking oil, salt, rice, sugar, bathing and laundry soap as well as toiletry hampers.
The mother of the nation also held an interactive session with the community to tackle drug abuse, domestic violence, promiscuity and foster unity among the people.
As a person who is grounded in the country’s traditional norms and values, the First Lady first sought permission from the beneficiaries of her programme to do their household chores for them.
“Pamusoroi Ambuya. I have come so that we spend the day together, cooking and doing laundry for you. Allow me to perform chores for you,” she said.
In response, Gogo Ellah Guta (87) welcomed the offer.
“My daughter, I am so full of joy. Were my legs not sore, I would have danced in appreciation of your love. Truly, coming to visit me here from as far as Harare. It shows great love. When you came to Mutare I was present and you remembered us as the elderly and gave us groceries which we enjoyed with our grandchildren. Do as you please today,” she said.
The mother of the nation, alongside her team which comprised youths, women from churches and community members, prepared rice, sadza, beef, chicken and vegetables for the beneficiaries.
To spice up event, Dr Mnangagwa held an eating competition for those she was working with.
Amai became the judge and gave the winners prizes.
Beneficiaries of the First Lady’s visit included Gogo Guta of Chaukura Village, in Mutasa District.
She bore 14 children, lost 12 and is left with two, while her husband also passed on. She stays with her three grandchildren.
“The First Lady has paid me a visit and I am happy beyond measure that she came to visit a rural-based woman as lowly as myself. She has swept my house and cooked for me and I am so happy because since I was born, I had never witnessed such great love. May God continue to bless her because she has a warm heart and is not selective,” Gogo Guta said while shedding tears of joy.
Gogo Jane Zindoga (88) shared similar views.
She had 16 children, who have all since died.
“I live by the grace of the Lord. I no longer have anyone to provide anything for me since all my children have died. This gives great meaning to the visit that I have been paid by the First Lady who has cleaned my house, washed my clothes, blankets and prepared me a mouth-watering meal. I am happy that the Lord has smiled at me today,” she said while ululating with joy.
Members of the community
expressed joy at what the First Lady had done.
Mrs Moreblessing Nyamundanda was gratified by the lesson behind the mother of the nation’s visit.
“Our mother has taught us to visit the elderly, showing them love and completing various tasks for them and respecting them. Their houses need to be kempt and we never used to do this thinking we only do good to our parents. From today we will continue sowing the seed of love she has sown for the benefit of our community and the nation at large,” she said.
This dovetailed with the views of Tsitsi Nyamunokora from Ward 19.
“I have come here because of our mother’s love. She has great love and we urge everyone to follow suit and visit the elderly while showing them love. We must show them care because some of them will be sick and this is a good learning point,” she said with a broad smile.
In her remarks, addressing the gathering at Watsomba Business Centre, Dr Mnangagwa thanked the people of Manicaland for voting back the President and Zanu PF, allowing her to continue with her life transforming projects.
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