Listed beverages manufacturer Delta Corporation Limited has made a $1.5 million pledge to assist victims of Cyclone Idai, which hit Eastern Zimbabwe.
Delta joins numerous other Zimbabwean corporates that have come in aid of the needy in the aftermath of the cyclone.
Cyclone Idai made landfall near the port city of Beira in Sofala province last Thursday with winds of up to 177 km/h, and has affected hundreds of thousands of people in Southern Africa especially in countries namely Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the relatives of the bereaved and wish those injured a speedy recovery. We extend our appreciation to all the volunteers, service personnel from various government departments and emergency services, development partners and individuals for the ongoing rescue efforts,” said company secretary Alex Makamure.
The Company on its part has mobilised immediate food handouts, beverages for service personnel and blankets worth RTGS$50 000 and has pledged a total of RTGS$1.5 million towards the ongoing efforts to deal with this emergency. The funds pledged will be utilised through specific projects as agreed with the Civil Protection Unit and/or channelled
through emergency relief partners.
“We are confident that this donation will alleviate the suffering occasioned on our valued consumers and communities in Eastern Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed company has a significant interest in Schweppes Zimbabwe, which manufactures still and juice drinks under the Coca- Cola franchise.
And its associate, African Distillers, is the leading producer of wines, spirits and ciders.
It is also the majority shareholder in Natbrew Plc, the LuSE listed traditional beer business in Zambia.
Delta Corporation is an associate of AB InBev, the world’s largest beer company.