RUTENDO CHIRUME
MASVINGO- The Zimbabwe National Cooperatives Federation (ZNCF) is set to host the commemorations of the International Day of Cooperatives (CoopsDay) on July 11-12 at Madyangove Primary School in Chivi District, Masvingo.
The event will bring together several cooperatives from across the country, this was revealed during the ZNCF’s International Day of Cooperatives celebrations preparatory meeting held at Fish Eagles Lodges and Safaris in Chivi on June 28.
Speaking at the meeting, Masvingo Provincial Development Officer in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Joseph Mupinga, said that the province last held such commemorations 10 years ago and they are expecting this year’s event to be bigger and better.
“As a province, we last held this event in 2013, and we are honored that it will be happening here again after such a long time,” Mupinga said.
“Chivi District is a strategic place because it has many endowments, particularly Tugwi Mukosi and fisheries. In 2019, Chivi came out on top in the province in terms of the number of cooperatives, making it a conducive place to host this event.”
Mupinga further stated that the event aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 of creating employment opportunities and achieving a high quality of life.
“Cooperatives are our greatest opportunity to lift ourselves out of poverty, as they can create and open up avenues for a better Zimbabwe,” he said.
Masvingo Provincial ZNCF chairperson and prominent Chivi politician and land developer, Godhati Dunira Hungwe, confirmed that preparations for the event are at an advanced stage, with the expectation to host the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa.
Hungwe said the two-day event will feature exhibitions from various cooperatives, stakeholders, and entertainment from the province’s higher and tertiary education institutions.
He added that the first day will see delegates “touring the province’s tourist attractions, training of all cooperative chairpersons, and a ministerial cocktail party at Flamboyant Hotel, while the main event will be held the following day”.
The broader objectives of the CoopsDay are to increase awareness of cooperatives and promote the movement’s ideas of international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality, and world peace.
