Less privileged need multi-sectorial support: Gweru mayor

BERTHA MASAMVU

The president of Urban Council Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ), Josiah Makombe (pictured)  has called for a multi-sectoral approach to assist the less privileged  and vulnerable people in communities.

Makombe, who is also the mayor of Gweru, spoke after being conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters Degree from the International Institute of Philanthropy.

He emphasized the need for the community to participate in programmes aimed at assisting the underprivileged.

Makombe said as leaders in the society it is the duty of elected officials to plough back to the community by doing philanthropic work.

“We should remove political jackets and do philanthropic work to assist the underprivileged,” he said.

“This honorary degree is a reminder that I should work hard to assist the under-privileged in society”.

Makombe was awarded the honorary degree alongside six other recipients.

Commenting on the degree, Makombe said:

“I am speechless!”

He added: “I feel very honored to have been awarded the doctorate title and this is the best thing one can get and wish to be called a Doctor which really is a reflection of the  good deeds I have been doing to the society.”

UCAZ, in partnership with Angel of Foundation run by the First Lady Auxillia Mngangwa has been helping to ensure the smooth running of Chiredzi’s Chambuta Children’s Home which has many houses which were adopted by various local authorities.

These houses currently are home to former street kids from the different cities.

Makombe is the chairperson of the Chambuta children’s Homes.

He said the public should be educated that it is retrogressive to give handouts to children on the streets because most of them already feel like they have a source of income and it will be difficult for them to convince them to leave the streets.