MEFMI Donates Towards Cyclone Idai

As part of its corporate social responsibility, MEFMI handed over a total of USD9,000.00 (nine thousand united states dollars) to its three member countries (Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe) in response to the aftermath of the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai.

According to media reports, the cyclone brought strong winds and caused severe flooding in Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar. It killed at least 1,007 people – 602 in Mozambique, 344 in Zimbabwe, 60 in Malawi, and one in Madagascar.  It also affected more than 3 million people.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Acting Executive Director, Ms Rose Malila-Phiri said that MEFMI saw it befitting to be an active participant in the recovery process that Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe have embarked on by making financial contribution towards that process.  She said, “It is MEFMI’s hope and sincere trust that the three thousand United States Dollar being handed over to Ambassador Anne Kumwenda, another three thousand United States Dollar being handed over to Mr. Agostinho Timóteo Joaquim of the Embassy of Mozambique and another three thousand United States Dollar being handed over to Mr. Muchemwa, of the Zimbabwe Ministry of Finance will serve to go towards the immediate needs of the affected families and communities.”

Zimbabwe as the MEFMI host country also received an assortment of clothing items and a bale of new blankets that were donated by staff.

Ms. Malila-Phiri said the Institute was fully aware of the magnitude of the devastation and destruction of the cyclone and that the MEFMI contribution would go towards efforts currently being made by the three countries to alleviate the many challenges currently being faced as a result of the cyclone.

In her acceptance speech the Malawi Ambassador to Zimbabwe H.E. Anne Kumwenda expressed great apperception to MEFMI for the kind gesture.  She said the financial donation would assist in the country’s recovery process, particularly as the cyclone had happened during harvest period.  She explained that crops had been washed away and most villagers are likely to face hunger and starvation.

Mr Timotemo Joaquim, the First Secretary in the Mozambique Embassy in Harare, said the donation by MEFMI was an expression of the unity in the region.

Mr Muchemwa, who is the Accountant General in the Zimbabwe Ministry of Finance, thanked MEFMI and said like all other donations towards the cyclone victims, the MEFMI contribution will be accounted for through a receipts and disbursement account.

Idai is one of the worst tropical cyclones on record to affect Africa.