John Mokwetsi
4 July 2009
CHIPO Tembo and her triplets are well known in the populous suburb of Glen View albeit for the unfortunate circumstances they find themselves in.
The triplets drew sympathy from around the country after their father deserted them last year in November soon after their birth saying it was a taboo and a bad omen for his clan to be blessed with triplets.
It was Tembo's plight that drew some peri-urban farmers from Glen View to donate part of their harvest to the single mother at a function held recently at Ishe Anesu home for the disabled. The farmers also donated part of their produce to Farirai and Tariro Centre orphanages.
Tembo received 50kg of maize and was ecstatic. The mother of three said she has found a reason to go on with her life because of the "big heart" of many Zimbabweans.
"I survive through well wishers in taking care of my three girls," she said.
"I don't know what I would have done without such support from people from this beautiful country. I am deeply moved by the kindness and support around me."
Another beneficiary, 78-year-old Nelson Banduza who stays with five orphaned grandchildren also received 50kg.
"My grandchildren's parents all succumbed to Aids. I do not work and my legs are swollen and my eyesight is poor. This is such a great relief for me."
Ironically some of this produce that is set to make a difference to Tembo and other less privileged members of the society was grown "illegally" on under-utilised dairy farms belonging to the Harare City Council.
After much persuasion the city fathers finally gave residents permission to farm. In the end council allowed farming on the land after finally accepting representations made by residents on the food crisis in the country.
The chairman of the Glen View Peri-Urban Farming Services, Peter Ngani said he felt proud that residents had fought hard to get land, which is now benefiting other needy people.
"Despite the city council sometimes threatening to slash the crops and confiscating our hoes, we remained steadfast on freeing this land which is now being used to take care of people in this constituency," Ngani said.
The association has since approached the council for more land in order to help alleviate the poverty in the constituency, an idea supported by Glen View legislator, Paul Madzore.
Speaking at the same function, a representative of the city council, Gilbert Mashambanhaka said residents would most likely be given the go- ahead to use some of the dairy farms for farming until council is ready to use the land again.
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