Bernard Mutambudzi

The Zanu PF National Youth League executive has mobilized party members to donate towards victims of Tropical Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani, Manicaland Province.

Zanu PF Youth League National Secretary for Administration, Cde Tendai Chirau said they had created a donations desk where any donation is recorded and fully accounted for.

“Let us all as youths assist our people in Chimanimani with anything that we can give,” he said.

This last weekend, Chirau led a delegation to Chimanimani which comprised of Secretary for Security, Silas Chimbiro, Chairman of the Zimbabwe National Youth Service Graduates Association (ZNYSGA), Absolom Madusise and Zimbabwe Liberation and War Collaborators Association Trust National Secretary for Security (ZILIWACO), Flint Matenda.

The visit was a fact finding mission to ascertain the extent of damage and to enable the youths to have an appreciation as to how they could positively contribute to the rebuilding of the ravaged Chimanimani and Chipinge areas.

The youths donated to members of the National Youth Service who have offered to voluntarily work with the Civil Protection Unit in Chimanimani.

“We have decided to give some of the assortment of food hampers to these dedicated volunteers because their food was depleting since they were here for some days,” said Chirau.

Chirau distributed mealie meal and food hampers to the elderly, young and women who were present.

Annah Matera, a victim from Nyaruwa, Ward 14 (Charter) said they appreciated the move taken by the Youth League.

“We were randomly given food, the youth members never looked at anyone’s political affiliation, this is not time for political grandstanding, everyone was affected, I urge all donations coming from other members not to look at race, creed, religious affiliation or any other category,” said Matera.

She said the youth had proved that they have people at heart.

Meanwhile, Zanu PF Youth League is calling for all progressive youth volunteers to take part in youth-led initiative dubbed Youth Rebuild Chimanimai (YORECH) which is aimed at restoring livelihoods to affected compatriots.

Chirau said the Youth League is calling for volunteers with skills in carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, electrical, architecture and general labour to contact their offices.

 He said youth volunteers from National Youth Service had heeded the call and around 70 are camped at Skyline with some from across the breadth and length of the country continuing to inquire on how they can join others in Chimanimani.

“This is not about politics, religion, colour or creed but it is about us as a nation. For once, let us be united as Zimbabweans and give a hand towards this disaster," said Chirau.

Chirau said the youth league continue to watch events in Chimanimaini with keen interests and the League would be visiting the most hard hit area in Kopa Ward 21 anytime soon, once the road is accessible.

“We are constantly in touch with CPU in Chimanimani and the army on the ground who are working flat to make the roads passable, definitely by end of this week most roads in Chimanimani will be accessible,” said Chirau.

The situation in Chimanimani and Chipinge is dire but the Government is doing a commendable job in those areas.