By Violet Mashonga

KUTAMA, Sept. 26, 2024 — Mashonaland West Province took a significant step toward economic empowerment and inclusive development with the official launch and disbursement of the Presidential Empowerment Fund and Presidential Revolving Fund. The ceremony, held at Kutama Mission, was led by Dr. Paul Tungwarara, Special Advisor to the President.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader drive to support grassroots economic activity and aligns with the national development blueprint, Vision 2030.

“We are moving towards Vision 2030, which says leave no one, no place behind,” Dr. Tungwarara said during his keynote address. He urged recipients to remain accountable and committed, noting that the revolving fund is interest-free and must be repaid to ensure sustainability and future access for others.

Several affiliate groups across the province benefited from the fund. These include:

Pastors4ED, led by Prophetess Idirashe Dongo

Vapostori4ED, under the leadership of Madzibaba Mozzie Gwasira

Boys Dzamudhara, chaired nationally by Hopewell Chako

Crossboarders4ED, led by DJ Masomere

Children of War Veterans, chaired by Pheneous Makombe

Vendors4ED, represented by National Chair Samora Chisvo

Hairdressers4ED, under Keresia Dagwaira

Cytnea Chisiri Shatei

Other supporting affiliates in attendance included Gule Wamkulu4ED, Journalists4ED, Young Women4ED, Councillors4ED, and Farmers4ED, among others, reflecting wide-ranging community engagement.

Dr. Tungwarara stressed the importance of unity, transparency, and a shared commitment to development, urging stakeholders to reject corruption and embrace accountability. “Let us work together, lift each other up, and ensure no one is left behind,” he said.

Mashonaland West Provincial Chair Hon. Mary Mliswa-Chikoka echoed the sentiment, calling on beneficiaries to utilize the funds wisely to create lasting impact within their communities.

Also addressing the gathering, Permanent Secretary Josephat Jaji, representing the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Marian Chombo, commended Dr. Tungwarara for his leadership and reinforced the need for collective alignment with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision for a prosperous and empowered Zimbabwe.

The event signaled a renewed commitment to grassroots economic development and inclusive growth in Mashonaland West, reinforcing the government’s pledge to leave no Zimbabwean behind.