By Margaret Kamba 

104 year old Gracina Magigwana also known Gogo Mazvihwa from Ward 36 in Neta , Mberengwa North in the Midlands Province got the surprise of her life when Senior Citizens for Economic Development donated solar lights and a solar powered television set.

This move which is part of the organization's efforts to help the Second Republic under the leadership of His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was witnessed by numerous people from that community as well as the organization's members from other provinces such as Matabeleland North, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Harare, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central.

Gogo Mazvihwa could not believe this gesture and kept on asking if the organization would come back to collect the systems. Once assured that these were given to her for free, she tearfully said, "Ndakungo bakidza ( I simply switch on).

Explaining the selection criteria for the donation, Senior Citizens for Economic Development National Chairperson Cde Tsvakai Muturiki said "Neta was the highest purchasing customers of 1500 solar lights provided through the organization's partnership with Elaine Solar Lights company hence the venue of Gogo Mazvihwa's homestead was chosen as the venue for the official launch of the solar lights programme."

Midlands Provincial Chairperson Cde Janet Shava also weighed in by saying, "As a province, we felt that we needed to identify the oldest senior citizen in our community for this donation and Gogo Mazvihwa is the one."

Speaking as the Guest of Honour representing ZANU PF National Political Commissar Cde Mike Bimha, Director for Research, Strategy and Liason in the Commissariat Department, Dr Davison Gomo said the gesture by the Senior Citizens for Economic Development would go a long way in alleviating the plight of the elderly.

"We would like to thank our President, His Excellency Cde E.D Mnangagwa and his Government for putting in place a law to respect and honour the senior citizens. When you look at Gogo Mazvihwa, you ask yourself who takes care of her and this is why such organizations come in to play that role. If these solar systems are not put in place, a lot of deforestation occurs as people cut down trees. There is no rule in place that says, because you are in the rural areas you should not have development, this is why the President is talking about leaving no-one and no place behind. If development occurs then everyone must be catered for," Dr Gomo said.

"Gogo Mazvihwa's age (104) speaks volumes about her history. A country is made up of its history, principles, and values. The young people must learn from the elderly and realize that they are still here because they did not resort to drugs and substance abuse. We must teach our children our values, our culture so that they understand who we are."

Speaking on behalf of the Midlands Province Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cde Owen Ncube, the District Development Coordinator Cde Vafias Hlavati said "The Senior Citizens for Economic Development has challenged us as a Province to do something for Gogo Mazvihwa. Thank you Cde Muturiki and your team for this gesture. In my 34 years of experience, I have never seen what Senior Citizens for Economic Development has done here in Neta. Here is a befitting beneficiary."

Chief Andrew Bvute said "When the organization came looking for the oldest senior citizen to donate to, I did not believe that this was true, but here they have kept their promise and we thank them for looking after the senior citizens."

50 other beneficiaries received free solar lights for their homesteads.