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Mashonaland West — A total of eight ZANU PF-aligned affiliate organisations in Mashonaland West have received more than US$200,000 from the Presidential Empowerment Fund, a revolving facility aimed at supporting grassroots empowerment and life-changing projects. According to provincial officials, VaPostori for ED and Children of War Veterans each received US$50,000, while the remaining six affiliates walked away with US$20,000 apiece to bankroll ongoing and new initiatives. The fund is designed to provide capital for projects that create jobs, uplift marginalised groups, and feed into President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda. “This support empowers a community that was once marginalised. As VaPostori, we are already engaged in self-empowerment initiatives, and this fund will strengthen our efforts to contribute meaningfully to national development,” said Madzibaba Moses, National Chairperson of VaPostori for ED. Prophetess Idirashe Dongo, National Chairperson of Pastors for ED, added: “This is the emancipation of our sector, giving us the tools and confidence to participate fully in the national economy and in the Vision 2030 agenda.” “We already have projects on the ground that require funding, and with this empowerment facility, we are now able to expand them with the view of creating more opportunities for young people,” noted Mr Andrew Mugabe, Boyz dza Mdara’s Mashonaland West Provincial Chairperson. Mrs Colleen Chinovainzwa, Provincial Chairperson of Vendors 4 ED, weighed in: “The empowerment fund will ensure that our members trade in compliance with national standards while improving their livelihoods and contributing to the wider economy.” Accountability and OversightThe Mashonaland West provincial leadership underscored the importance of accountability and transparency in the use of the revolving fund. “This programme dovetails with the Presidential mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. Use of the fund will also push forward economic and social development of the province,” said Mr Josphat Jaji, Permanent Secretary for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution. “As the ruling party, we will ensure that the funds are utilised effectively. There must be a close working relationship with affiliates, who should always consult and stay connected to the party,” added Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial Chairperson. National Development FocusLaunching the provincial fund, Presidential Investment Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara said community empowerment remained central to Zimbabwe’s national development trajectory. “The empowerment vision is here to stay. We will continue to ensure that every affiliate benefits. We want to create an empowered community which anchors Vision 2030,” Tungwarara said. The eight affiliates that benefitted include Pastors for ED, VaPostori for ED, Vendors for ED, Boyz dzaMudhara, Health Ambassadors for ED, and Children of War Veterans, among others. Officials said more disbursements are expected in coming months as the facility rolls out across other provinces.-state media
