Zimplats has joined the rest of the Zimbabwean community in donating materials which are expected to bring relief to the families affected by Cyclone Idai.
The handover ceremony was attended by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Winston Chitando, the Minister of State Provincial Affairs for Mashonaland West Mary Mliswa-Chikoka and the principal director in the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Mr Christopher Shumba.
In her opening remarks, Minister Chikoka took a moment to console families affected by Cyclone Idai.
“The people of Mashonaland West Province remember our dear departed and are committed to provide relief to our countrymen that survived the trail of destruction left by Cyclone ldai.”
She also went on to acknowledge the expedient manner in which Zimplats provides assistance in the Province especially during difficult times.
Mines Minister Chitando responded by acknowledging the importance of corporate social responsibility and how the assistance offered by Zimplats goes a long way in changing lives.
Cyclone Idai caused high winds and heavy rainfall in the Eastern Highlands and the South East of Zimbabwe. The cyclone caused riverine and flash flooding, and subsequent deaths, and destruction of community livelihoods and property.
The Government of Zimbabwe has appealed for humanitarian assistance from international aid agencies and from the business community in Zimbabwe.
And the response from the business community has been commendable.
Speaking on behalf of the Zimplats CEO, managing director Mr Stanley Segula highlighted that Zimplats recognizes its development partnership role with the Government of Zimbabwe.
“Driven by our commitment to play a constructive role as a responsible corporate citizen and our value of caring for local communities, Zimplats responded positively to the appeal from the Government. Following consultation with the Department of Civil Protection (CPU), Zimplats pledged RTGS$500,000 to be disbursed in line with CPU needs.”
The company has honoured part of the pledge and handed over materials valued at $140,000.
The items already handed over included food (beans and Mahewu); medical equipment and consumables; fuel and water purification chemicals.