By Julius Idrissa Manganda
There was joy and renewed hope in Highfield on Friday as the Welfare Trust of Zimbabwe hosted an early Christmas party for elderly residents and people living with disabilities at the Society for the Destitute Aged (SODA) Old People’s Home, with Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Charles Tavengwa, leading donations and calling for increased community support towards social welfare institutions.
Hon Tavengwa donated Christmas goodies, a borehole and chicks to the home, a contribution expected to improve food security, ensure sustainable access to clean water and strengthen the institution’s agricultural projects, which include poultry and small livestock rearing.
The Christmas celebration was attended by ZANU PF Central Committe member Cde Taka Mashonganyika, members of the local community, SODA staff and representatives from the Welfare Trust of Zimbabwe, who described the occasion as a timely reminder that dignity, care and inclusion must remain central to national development and community life.
Addressing beneficiaries, caregivers and stakeholders, Cde Tavengwa said the occasion went beyond festive celebrations, stressing the importance of unity, compassion and the African philosophy of Ubuntu in caring for the elderly and other vulnerable members of society.
“Today we are celebrating Christmas, the day Jesus was born, but more importantly we are celebrating the unity of staying together. We must pause and remember our elderly care homes and persons living with disabilities. The elderly are the custodians of our history, our values and our identity as a people. They therefore deserve not only our respect but our love,” he said.
He commended the Welfare Trust of Zimbabwe and SODA for their continued dedication to caring for the vulnerable, acknowledging the sacrifices made by caregivers who provide daily support to the elderly.
“It is not always easy to look after the elderly. Some of us would have them alone in our homes and complain that they are troublesome. I want to thank those who have taken it upon themselves to care for them with patience and love,” said Cde Tavengwa.
Reflecting on the history of the institution, the minister said SODA was founded during the colonial era by philanthropist Mr John Njerere, whose humanitarian work left a lasting legacy in Highfield and beyond.
“Growing up here in Highfield, this place reminds me of Mr John Njerere, who was well-known for his charity work. During the struggle era, he opened his home to scores of destitutes, many of them from Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique,” he said, paying tribute to Mrs Maria Njerere for her lifelong commitment to the welfare of the elderly.
Cde Tavengwa noted that the home has over the years received notable visitors, including Princess Diana, who visited in 1993, highlighting its historical and social significance. He added that despite its rich legacy, the institution faces infrastructural challenges, as much of its infrastructure dates back to the colonial period and requires upgrading to meet modern standards.
He said the challenges faced by the elderly and people living with disabilities require a collective response, urging churches, youth groups, businesses, communities and well-wishers to actively support care homes.
“When we make the elderly happy, we honour our past, strengthen our present and inspire a more caring future. Let us all embody the spirit of Ubuntu,” said Cde Tavengwa.
The event came against the backdrop of Zimbabwe’s first-ever Social Protection Week, which was held to raise awareness on the need for inclusive social protection systems and improved welfare for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities and children.
