IVAYINERUDO MAGARAZANO
CHIREDZI- In a gesture aimed at alleviating the effects of the El-Nino induced drought, Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ) donated harvested wheat stover for livestock feed to the local community at Section 61, Triangle recently.
THZ Corporate Affairs Executive, Dr Dahlia Garwe said that the donation which forms part of THZ’s Corporate Social Responsibility project is meant to relieve the drought-stricken community from the effects of El Nino.
The winter wheat program a first of its kind and is an ongoing program yielded 604.6 tonnes of wheat from 210.1 hectares which was delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and Social Welfare.
“We planted a total of 210.1 hectares of wheat between Hippo Valley Estates and Triangle and we are pleased to have yielded 604.6 tonnes, which we delivered to GMB and Social Welfare,” said Dr Garwe.
THZ area manager P Machida added that after witnessing the devastating effects of the drought, THZ engaged the local leadership with the idea of donating the harvested stover for livestock feed. The community responded positively, and a total of 546 bales of stover have been donated, with 58 more still to be baled and this is from the Triangle fields only.
“We engaged the community regarding the donation of harvested stover for livestock feed, and they were happy with the idea, we are yet to donate the stover from Hippo Valley Estates.” said Machida
Privilege Toti a resident of village 6a under Headman Chilave expressed her gratitude for the donation.
“I am grateful for this gesture although the bales might not be enough, as I have eight cows and two died last month due to drought, however this donation will go a long in alleviating our plight and it shows that our relations with THZ are beneficial”
Toti also appreciated the fact that THZ has been providing sugarcane leaves for their cattle, in addition to the wheat stover donation.
“We have been receiving sugarcane leaves for our cattle too, and we are grateful for THZ’s support during this difficult time,” she said.
The donation is a testament to THZ’s commitment to supporting the local community, particularly during times of need.
