Women in business initiate feeding programme for children in Pumula  

At least 100 children from Bulawayo’s Pumula East suburb will benefit from the “My baby too” feeding programme initiated by two Bulawayo business women, with the aim of providing food to underprivileged children.

The project is sponsored by Emma Nxumalo and Minenhle Moyo who run ZwideVeggies and YoungGirlDream respectively.

Speaking to Infocus News, Mrs Emma Nxumalo of Zwide Veggies said being a mother has inspired her to give back to disadvantaged children.

“Ever since I became a mother, children have become so dear to me. My heart breaks at the thought of how many children go to bed on empty stomachs. So, since every child is my baby too, that is why I have pursued this idea,” she said.

Mrs Nxumalo said the organization was intent on providing food to every child in Pumula East and will not discriminate against any potential beneficiaries.

“We are not choosing any particular child to benefit from our food distribution scheme. We are going to feed every child who needs food as long as they are between the ages five and 18 years old.

Charity begins at home. That is the reason why I chose to start with Pumula East before going to other townships. I want to give back to my home first before I expand to other suburbs, ” she said.

Director for YoungGirlDream Minenhle Moyo, said children will be fed on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Pumula East Shopping Center formerly known as the Dairiboard. Moyo said she envisions that the MyBabyToo feeding programme will expand to other suburbs and provide essential goods for young girls.

“Our vision is to expand to as many neighborhoods as possible because the need is so great. I would also like us to expand the work we are doing under this project to include providing clothes, sanitary pads and basic toiletries for our children,” said Moyo.

The coronavirus induced lockdown has pushed many poor families into starvation as most citizens depend on informal trading, which has been affected by the COVID-19 induced lockdown.