By Prince Chese and Netshakhuma Muleya
THE national Zero Waste Movement programme championed by First Lady Dr Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa was launched in Beitbridge on Thursday under the theme “The Globe is Our Home – Zero Waste, My Responsibility.”
The programme was presented by Wife to the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Mrs Sibusisiwe Nguluvhe on behalf of the First Lady.
Speaking during the launch, Mrs Nguluvhe said the First Lady wants every community to be included in the fight against waste.
“This is the First Lady’s programme. She wants no place left behind, including towns and cities, with churches spearheading the message of zero tolerance to waste,” she said.
More than 250 people took part in the clean-up campaign held during the event.
MOB Waste Management Supervisor Oratile Makwaiba said the organisation was pleased to host the first edition of the clean-up exercise.
“We are glad to have hosted the first edition of the clean-up and that at least 250 participants joined the campaign,” she said.
She also said the organisation welcomes similar initiatives from churches and other groups to help keep Beitbridge and Zimbabwe clean.
Association of Christian Churches in Zimbabwe (ACCZ) president Edgar Maireva said churches fully support the programme.
“As churches, we encourage cleanliness as stated in the Bible. We support this programme to ensure a clean town and environment and encourage residents to keep the town clean at all times,” he said.
Cross-Border for ED vice chairperson Blessing Muriyani said residents have a duty to maintain a clean border town.
“As Cross-Border 4ED, we support this initiative to keep our town clean. As a border town, we should maintain cleanliness to ensure a safe environment for visitors passing through every day,” he said.
The Zero Waste Movement seeks to promote environmental responsibility and community participation in keeping towns and cities clean across Zimbabwe.