At least 65 war veterans in Bulawayo Friday received food hampers from Doves Holdings, as part of efforts by the funeral services group to cushion them from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Doves’ intervention was in response to the call made by the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs, Judith Ncube.
The war-veterans of the liberation struggle, who included those with varying disabilities and health problems each received a 20kg bag of mealie meal, 2litres of cooking oil, 8kg of sugar, 8 kg of flour, 4kg rice, 1kg soya mince, 1 kg sugar beans and 2kg of salt.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Entumbane suburb Doves managing director, Dr Talent Maziwisa said the pioneers of the liberation struggle played a very significant role in Zimbabwe’s independence.
“This particular occasion is actual a brain child of the Minister herself together with comrade Ncube; these are the people that shared notes with our officers led by Nyasha Mutsika,” said Dr Maziwisa.
“These are the people that sat down and looked at what we could do for them and they narrowed their activity to this kind of donation specifically zeroing in on the pioneers of the struggle.”
He said his organisation was concerned with the welfare of all war veterans.
“I also take note that outside the pioneers of the struggle this occasion also took note of some of the war-veterans with varying disabilities and health problems,” he said.
Dr Maziwisa added that their programmes were not limited to war-veterans alone.
“Our role as Doves is not limited to war-veterans. From a social responsibility point of view, we have played a role in diverse fields be it education, corporate, schools, hospitals and other kind of services,” he said.
He added the food distribution programme would also be extended to other parts of the country.
Minister Ncube expressed her gratitude to Doves.
“We would like to extend our appreciation to you following the hardships that we are experiencing because of the global pandemic, Covid-19,” she said.
“This programme could not have come at a better time than now as many have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic; the government recognises the work being done by Doves Holdings in offering support to our communities”.
She said Doves has played a great role in giving the freedom fighters a befitting and dignified burial in recognition of their contribution to the liberation struggle.
“As you are aware, over the years, Doves Holdings has become the brand name associated with national hero or heroines burials. As a company they have taken pride in giving our gallant freedom fighters the befitting and dignified burials in recognition of their immense contribution to the liberation of our beloved nation, Zimbabwe,” she said.
