Renowned philanthropist and businesswoman Smelly Dube has rewarded 51 Mkoba residents in Gweru for standing by her during a health crisis in 2019.
At a ceremony yesterday, Dube presented the group, whom she affectionately described as her “all-weather friends,” with grocery hampers as a gesture of appreciation for their support during her hospitalisation.
The group, drawn from beneficiaries of her charity organisation, gathered outside the hospital after Dube was admitted following a sudden illness.
Unable to access her due to hospital restrictions, they remained outside, singing, dancing and praying for her recovery.
Speaking during the handover, Dube said the experience demonstrated the importance of solidarity during difficult times.
“We are all humans. At times, we fall sick, and sometimes we have misfortunes that befall us. But it is during these trying times that we meet friends like you who come to visit and be in solidarity with us,” she said.
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Although most of the 51 recipients are already permanent beneficiaries of her charity’s monthly support programme, Dube said the hampers were specifically meant to honour their loyalty and compassion.
She encouraged communities to remain united and support one another during times of need.
Group leader Margaret Maphosa thanked Dube for her continued support and pledged the community’s loyalty.
“We pray for the blessings and for her company to continue to grow so that they can continue to work with the community,” she said.
Dube’s charity organisation has become a source of regular assistance for vulnerable residents in Mkoba, with the latest gesture highlighting the reciprocal bond between the philanthropist and the community she supports.