By Staff Writer
THE Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company’s (ZCDC) corporate social responsibility programme recently handed over grocery donations to Manicaland’s drought hit communities.
There are hundreds of villagers in Marange where diamond mining is taking place, a village where the El Niño-induced drought ravaged crops and livelihoods.
In the heart of Marange, a community domiciled in the diamond-rich area in Manicaland province which is grappling with the devastating impacts of the El Niño-induced drought, hope has emerged in the form of food hampers donated by the ZCDC through the Chiadzwa Community Share Ownership Trust.
This initiative, in collaboration with relevant government structures, aims to alleviate hunger and support vulnerable families facing dire circumstances.
Hundreds of villagers in Marange area including areas like Chiadzwa, Mukwada and Arda Transau recently received the food hampers.
For the villagers who are facing hunger amid diamond riches, their story is not unique.
Their resilience, hope and determination make them an inspiration.
“I had not seen my children smile in weeks,” Mukwada said, her voice trembling.
“Today and onwards, I can give them a decent meal. ZCDC has brought life back to our table.”
ZCDC’s corporate affairs executive, Sugar Chagonda spoke passionately about the company’s commitment to its surrounding communities.
“We are a responsible State miner, and we cannot ignore the plight of our communities,” he said and emphasised the importance of social responsibility.
“We are committed to working with them as we produce diamonds for the long-term benefit of Zimbabweans.”
Chagonda highlighted that the importance of his company programme is to enhance food security in the community.
“We are working closely with the community in spurring such initiatives aimed at uplifting the community livelihoods,” he said.
“These are community empowerment initiatives being funded by ZCDC beyond other initiatives in other clusters like infrastructure development, health, water and sanitation, education, sport and recreation in the communities across Manicaland and beyond.
-AMH
