BY MOSES MUGUGUNYEKI GOVERNMENT has hailed the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) for its efforts in uplifting communities, particularly hard-to-reach areas.
Defence and War Veterans Affairs minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by chief director in the ministry Ignatius Mvere during the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day celebrations in Harare on Tuesday.
The ZRCS was established through an Act of Parliament in 1981 as an auxiliary to the government’s humanitarian interventions.
“As a permanent member of the Civil Protection Unit, the Red Cross has been active in disaster response and development programmes at all levels over the years,” said Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“As the government of Zimbabwe and on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, we are very much encouraged by the good work which the Red Cross continues to champion in an impartial, neutral and independent manner.”
ZRCS national president Edison Mlambo said this year’s commemorations were meant to acknowledge the “acts of kindness” exhibited by ZCRS volunteers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies.
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“From the COVID-19 pandemic and severe weather events to wrenching armed conflict, crisis and disaster spared virtually no one in the past couple of years and hit vulnerable people the hardest. Yet one never has to look far to find and be inspired by acts of kindness,” Mlambo said.
Head of delegation, southern Africa — International Committee of the Red Cross Mamadou Sow described volunteers as the mainstay of the movement.
“Volunteers are the backbone of the Red Cross movement. Globally there are 14 million volunteers who are at the core of our humanitarian work,” he said.
World Red Cross Day is observed every year on May 8 to celebrate the principles and impact of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
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