Political Reporter
Zimbabwe has received a generous donation of 1,000 metric tonnes of mealie meal from Rwanda to help alleviate the food insecurity caused by the El Niño drought.
This drought has left over 7 million people, half of Zimbabwe’s population, struggling to access food during the 2024-2025 season.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, James Musoni, handed over the donation to Zimbabwe’s Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, at the Grain Marketing Board’s Aspindale Depot in Harare on September 19.
Musoni emphasized that the donation was made in the spirit of “ubuntu,” a concept that emphasizes solidarity and community.
” In the spirit of uBuntu, President Paul Kagame heard the call and immediately responded by dispatching 1000 metric tons of maize to Zimbabwe,” he said.
This donation is not the first instance of Rwanda and Zimbabwe supporting each other. In 2019, Rwanda helped Zimbabwe during Cyclone Idai, and in 2023, Zimbabwe reciprocated by assisting Rwanda after devastating floods and landslides.
Garwe expressed his gratitude to the Rwandan government, saying,
“I am very grateful for responding positively to the call for support following the El Niño-induced drought disaster.” He assured that the donation will be distributed to those most in need, saying, “The Government will ensure that the donation reaches the intended last-mile beneficiaries who were targeted on a needy basis.”
This donation marks the second time Rwanda has assisted Zimbabwe in 2024, solidifying the strong bond between the two nations.
Zim GBC News©2024