Hordes of Masvingo Pensioners Empowered

The Zimbabwe Pensioners Welfare Trust (ZPWT) has empowered hordes of pensioners residing in Masvingo Province with day-old chicks and assistive devices for people living with disabilities.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, ZPWT Chief Executive Officer Mr. Amatas Rwazemba said the beneficiaries would first undergo basic training.

“Our members are set to be empowered with over 4,000 day-old chicks,” he said.
“To support this empowerment initiative, we will also provide stock feed and the necessary equipment to assist their poultry projects.”

Mr. Rwazemba added that the Trust would also distribute assistive devices to individuals living with disabilities.

“We have elderly members here who are living with disabilities. Today, we are donating a wheelchair, five sets of crutches, and three walking frames to assist them,” he said.

The handover event was held at Gain Cash and Carry in Masvingo and was attended by several notable dignitaries, including the Provincial Coordinator and representatives from various organisations.

Also in attendance were officials from Gains, the Provincial Director of Women Affairs, the Director of Veterinary Services, and a representative of the Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Ezra Chadzamira. Cde Chadzamira’s speech was delivered by the Finance Director.

Gains pledged to reward the best-performing farmer with 25 chicks and feed.

The Director of Women Affairs encouraged beneficiaries to actively participate in poultry farming as a sustainable livelihood initiative, while the Director of Veterinary Services pledged ongoing support in poultry disease management.

Mr. Rwazemba said the Trust had been in Chiredzi the previous week, rolling out similar poultry projects to empower its members.

“From here, we are heading to Mushandike and Gutu, where we will continue supporting our pensioners with these projects,” he said.

“Our members will not only benefit from poultry. We also have housing schemes, solar installations, and fish and rabbit farming projects designed to improve their quality of life.”

ZPWT currently has over 1,000 members across the country.