Prevail donates 60 tonnes of food to Defence Forces at launch

itai Mazire

Prevail International Group launched its Talk and Pay (TAP) Microfinance Company on Friday, donating two 30-tonne truck loads of rice and cooking oil to Zimbabwe’s Defence Forces during the ceremony.

The donation, handed over to Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri by Prevail Group chief executive Tendai Sithole, recognised the contribution of the uniformed forces to national stability, the company said.

Speaking at the launch, Muchinguri-Kashiri welcomed TAP’s focus on the security sector and rural communities, stating that the payroll-based loan facility aligns with the Second Republic’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ welfare.

“Your inclusion of our hard-working labour force in your customer segment is consistent with the Second Republic’s commitment in safeguarding the welfare and dignity of our labour force,” she said.

The minister also noted that security personnel are often excluded from mainstream financial products, and that TAP’s targeting of women-led businesses and rural entities supports national development policy.

“Studies consistently confirm that capital availed to women circulates faster in the local economy,” Muchinguri-Kashiri added. “When women are extended with loans, you are investing in the whole household, and also in the community as a whole.”

Prevail Group International Chairman Dr Paul Tungwarara said TAP was developed following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call to support rural business units. The microfinance scheme will offer low-cost, payroll-based loans, with priority for women-led and rural-based enterprises.

Distribution of the donated rice and cooking oil to defence forces units is expected to begin shortly.