President launches resource mobilisation programme for Freddy victims in Malawi
President Mnangagwa has launched a resource mobilization programme that will see the Government work with the private sector and many other organisations to pool additional resources to help those affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy in Malawi.
At the weekend, the country dispatched its first consignment of relief—300 tonnes of mealie–meal to Malawi to help the victims in response to international appeal that was lauched b Malawi President Lazurus Chakwera.
Speaking at the resource mobilisation launch that was held at State House on Monday, President Mnangagwa who, in his capacity as a farmer, donated two 30 tonne trucks to use to transport some of the goods, appealed to the business community and organisations, including those in the diaspora to donate towards helping those affected by the cyclone.
According to the Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), Tropical Cyclone Freddy resulted in more than 500 deaths and displaced 563,771 people. An additional 1,724 were injured, while 533 are still missing.
“In keeping with the adage that an injury to one is an injury to all and the philosophy of Ubuntu as well as the long-standing coordinal relationships between our two countries, my Government through Zimaid has already donated 3 000 tonnes of of maize meal. To augment such efforts and a desire to see the accelerated reduction of the impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy, may I take this opportunity of this gathering to appeal to you, our captains of industry and leaders of various organisations across our nation, including those in the diaspora, to play a part in our collective national response,” he said.
The President said, drawing from lessons from the country’s response to Cyclone Idai, the country’s goal was to realise the restoration of livelihoods as well as complement on-going processes in Malawi
He thanked those who pledged donations during the event, adding that Zimbabwe went through the same effects of a cyclone and the international community helped those who were affected.
“The plight that Malawi is facing now, I have no doubt that whatever we as Zimbabwe may donate, in light of the plight they are facing, will go a long way in helping the families affected to re-establish themselves and to survive. We are aware that we are under sanctions, and our muscle to support our sister countries is constrained by that fact, but I am aware that our brothers in the region have sent support to Malawi. But even under the circumstances, which we are, I am so happy that our people have responded in this manner. I feel proud of you.”
Some of the pledges that were made include
- Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries: To mobilize members and donate through Red Cross across the country.
- PPC- three truckloads of cement
- Khaya Cement: 120 tonnes of cement
- Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe mobilizing collections from all Muslim churches and businesses across the country
- GIMAZ- mobilise mealie-meal and sugar beans
- Local authorities: all councils contributing
- Economic Empowerment Group: 5000 litres
- Timber Industry: 100 cubic metres of timber
- Transporters Association of Zimbabwe-to transport all donated goods
- President ED Mnangagwa- two 30 trucks for use to transport donated good to Malawi
- Tertiary institutions: sanitizers, detergents, liquid soap, and dishwashing soap to be donated through parent ministry
- Cimas- Cas and medical consumables
- Econet Group: $100,000.
- Higherlife -dispatched an advance team to Malawi to provide material and skilled manpower.
- Platinum Holdings: 500 blankets
- CAPS Holdings: paracetamol and amoxycillin
- Chicken Slice- food hampers
Other companies and church organizations said they were still finalizing their donations.