Mathew Masinge
SHE is 82 and says she misses the joy rides she used to take around Harare before the Bumhudzo Old People’s Home kombi broke down.
Gogo Betty Samombe, who has been living at the home for more than 20 years, says the kombi was their medium to connect with the rest of the world.
She made the remarks during a donation made by Schweppes Zimbabwe to the Salvation Army-run home.
Schweppes donated Mazowe orange drinks and various brands as part of its corporate social investment.
For Gogo Samombe, the real joy will come when the kombi is repaired.
“I remember our last trip, the bus was our only mode of transport and source of joy, now we are stuck behind the home perimeters for good.
“Imimi vana vangu ndimi mungatotibatsira nekutichengeta nekuti isusu pano hatina hama, hatina anotipa chikafu kana kutiburitsawo pano tichirohwa nemhepo kunze uko.
“Tinoda kugadzirirwawo bhazi iri kuti tione zviri kunze uko tisasurukirwa tiri pano,” said Gogo Samombe.
She said she lost all her children and family members during the liberation struggle.
Her case is similar to many other dependants who are under the care of the home in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza.
For Schweppes, the donation is part of their strategy to lure more corporates to channel help towards the elderly and destitutes.
“We are excited to make the donation and associate ourselves with Bumhudzo Old People’s Home where we are pledging more support towards the welfare of our fathers and mothers at the shelter.
“The Mazowe brand is special and it has been in existence for close to a century now, hence we saw it fitting to celebrate the achievement with the elderly who probably saw the brand in its early stages.
“This is to say thank you to our customers and act as a pull factor to convince more corporates to channel resources to the home,” said Schweppes Zimbabwe corporate affairs manager, Ropafadzo Gwanetsa.
Gwanetsa also led a similar mission to Chianyaradzo Children’s Home in Highfield.
The orphanage now houses 33 children whose diet and welfare need careful attention.
