In keeping with good Corporate Citizenship, the Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) has donated some groceries to two Old People’s Homes namely; Ida wokwako of Marondera and Entembeni of Bulawayo established in 1977 and 1963 respectively.
Ida wokwako Old People’s Home houses 25 senior citizens while Entembeni Old People’s Home has 36, with the eldest residents at the two Homes being 98 and 110 years old, respectively.
The gesture brought an early Christmas cheer to the elderly as evidenced by their smiles and ululation during the handover ceremony.
The IPEC board, senior management and workers’ representatives stood on behalf of the Commission during the handover ceremonies.
They spent quality time with the senior citizens, including hosting lunch for them and encouraging them to be of good cheer, since majority of the people find it difficult to reach the golden milestone.
“We really want to thank you IPEC for your kind gesture,” said Entembeni Home Society sister-in-charge, Mrs. Jesca Matavire during the groceries handover ceremony at the Home on Thursday 13 December 2018.
“We are humbled by your benevolence. This will go a long way in helping us take care of our elderly.”
An 84-year old man at Entembeni Home, Mr Benjamini Nyandeni said, “On behalf of everyone at this Home, I would like to thank you very much for your benevolence. This gesture is breathing life into us, the elderly.
“We want to pray thanking God for influencing your decision to come here. Had it not been for God, this would not have happened. God used your organisation to assist us. The enemy is not happy when he sees this kind of benevolence.”
In his remarks during the handover ceremony, IPEC board member, Mr Tafadzwa Zinyoro said the Commission is determined to uplift lives of the elderly.
He indicated that IPEC came to know about the plight of the elderly at various Old People’s Homes through a report of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Labour and Social Welfare following the Committee’s visit to 10 Old People’s Homes in all the country’s 10 provinces earlier in the year.
“As a Commission, we are sensitive to the cause of the most underprivileged, especially the elderly,” Mr Zinyoro.
“It is for that reason that after learning of your plight, we intervened without hesitation. Sowing back to the community, particularly the elderly is part of our good corporate citizenship strategy. This dove tails with our mandate of ensuring social security through regulation of insurance and pensions.”
He said the Commission is currently engaging ZESA to join hands in clearing the Home’s electricity debt, which currently stands at over $15 000, a development which would see the Commission paying 50 percent of the Bill.
Speaking at the same occasion, IPEC Acting Commissioner, Mr Blessmore Kazengura urged Entembeni administrators to uphold good corporate governance, which is vital for attracting the much-needed support from cooperating partners.
At Ida wokwako Old People’s Home on Monday 10 December 2018, the Home’s administrator, Reverend Clement Matulanga said: “We face so many challenges especially food. We rely on donors like what you have done today. Your gesture will go a long way in alleviating part of these challenges that we face. We are grateful to you IPEC for your kindness.”
A 74-year old granny, Beauty Andaki who has been at Ida wokwako Old People’s Home since 2014 said the donation would bring cheers during this festive season.
“This donation will help us a lot. We would want to thank you for remembering us. May God bless you all for your kindness,” she said.
IPEC Head of Pensions, Mr Josphat Kakwere pledged the Commission’s continued commitment to help the under-priviledged, particularly the elderly whenever financial resources do permit.
The Insurance and Pensions Commission is committed to Corporate Social Investment also known as Corporate Social Responsibility that sustainably improves society.
Going forward, the Commission intends to undertake various initiatives that will create a sustainable social and economic impact to the society.