By Martin Muleya.
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (News of The South) – Friday 15 March 2019 will be remembered with sadness as the most devastating natural disaster in the country’s recorded history, Cyclone Idai occured.
Schools, houses and lives and infrastructure were severely damaged while human lives were lost at a bigger magnitude.
Frm left to right seated Zwelithini Mlotshwa, rep Minister of State for Manicaland provincial Affairs Terrence Machocho, PED Edward Shumba
St. Charles Lwanga in Chimanimani a Catholic run school suddenly come to mind, as three form 1 pupil all lost their lives while at school after the building they were hibernating was damaged.
Speaking during the handover of donation that was held at Zuva’s Mutare terminal Chief Operations Officer Zwelithini Mhlotswa noted that the gesture was in recognition of the power of education.
PED Edward Shumba being handed over the donation by the Deputy director in the Minister of State for Manicaland provincial Affairs office Terrence Machocho
The five schools that received donation of school furniture include Hotsprings, Tonhorai, Ndima, Charleswood and Gwindingwi primary schools, as a way of restoring hope in the face of adversity.
“As we nurture human capital within the organization, we recognise the fact that human capital comes from the schools, the classroom to be specific.
“Our donation of classroom furniture to the five schools is in recognition of the power of education to restore hope in the face of adversity.
Zuva Chief Operations Officer Zwelithini Mlotshwa cutting the ribbon
“To be sure, good education makes for good citizens. It is a pathway towards prosperous, productive life and good citizenship we wish for all young Zimbabweans,” said Mlotshwa.
Speaking at the same occasion, the Minister od State for Manicaland provincial Affairs Dr. Ellen Gwaradzimba who was represented by Deputy Director in her office Terrence Machocho bemoaned the disaster that struck in the province last year.
“We are bringing afresh memories of the disaster that struck Manicaland particularly in Chimanimani and Chipinge. Basically those were the epicentres of the disaster.
“I may not want to chronicle on what happened last year but we are very sorry for the loss for our people.
“We acknowledge the role played by Zuva Petroleum in Manicaland. From the day we experienced Cyclone Idai, apart from the role Government played, we found Zuva Petroleum complimenting our efforts in restoring hope to the people of Chimanimani and Chipinge. We found them at a very needy time and we are grateful for the intervention,” applauded Min Gwaradzimba.
Manicaland Provincial Education Director Edward Shumba weighed in saying during Cyclone Idai schools in the province lost human lives and school infrastructure.
“We want to profusely thank Zuva Petroleum for the kind gesture they have shown to our schools that were devastated by Cyclone Idai.
“Cyclone Idai did affect is in two ways. First we really sorry about the human life lost and secondly learning materials were destroyed. Infrastructure goes as far as classrooms and furniture. Thus we have not been able to keep pace with the development of these things.
“When Zuva comes in they do help us to achieve the strategic goal of quality believe because we believe anybody can learn better in an environment that is conducive,” highlighted PED Shumba.
Zuva Petroleum has unveiled aid to the tropical Cyclone Idai victims before but are still fazed with the rehabilitation process. Just after the disaster struck, the company ferried fuel and donated $100 000.00 to five of the affected schools
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