By Staff Reporter
Spouses of members of the security sector in Midlands Province have received a US$8,000 empowerment fund to support income-generating projects as part of efforts to improve livelihoods among families of uniformed forces.
Speaking during the disbursement ceremony in Kwekwe, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube said the funding was intended to complement government’s women empowerment and social protection programmes.
Ncube said the initiative was in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) pillar on social development, gender and social protection.
“The disbursement of funds to spouses of uniformed forces, inclusive of the ZRP Women’s Network, complements the Second Republic’s robust social safety nets and women empowerment programmes,” he said.
He said beneficiaries could also access other government-supported empowerment initiatives, including programmes administered through the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Corporation, Women Development Fund, Community Development Fund and Women’s Micro-Finance Bank.
Ncube said government had also introduced various programmes targeting members of the security sector and their families, including housing and infrastructure projects.
He cited the Dzivaresekwa housing scheme and the Zimbabwe Republic Police Mkushi Residential Flats for junior police officers as examples of initiatives aimed at improving conditions of service.
The minister also commended First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa for programmes supporting education, livelihoods and skills development among spouses of security sector members and other communities.
He said thousands of women had received life-skills training through an Angel of Hope Foundation and Zimbabwe Open University partnership, covering entrepreneurial and vocational fields.
Ncube urged beneficiaries of the US$8,000 fund to use the money responsibly and ensure that the projects generate sustainable livelihoods.
“As I conclude, I urge all beneficiaries of empowerment programmes to maximise this opportunity through unity of purpose, accountability, transparency and hard work,” he said.
He said the Midlands Provincial Government would continue supporting empowerment initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods in the province.
“With these remarks, it is my singular honour and privilege to hand over USD 8,000 to Spouses of members of the Security Sector Projects in the Midlands Province,” Ncube said.
