River Valley Properties donates

GWERU — The Government and Disability Rights Organisations have given River Valley Properties an
affectionate pat on the back for its continued annual donation of food to under privileged members
of the society during the festive season.

This comes after the company through its subsidiary S M Hand of Compassion, donated 220 food
hampers, and other consumables to the less privileged families.

The much needed help targeted mostly people with disabilities and widows of ex-combatants,
resulting in over 200 of them benefitted from the company’s 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility
Programme.

This year local traditional leaders also benefited as a way of supporting government’s efforts of
supporting custodians of national culture and heritage.

Speaking at the ceremony, River Valley Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. Smelly Dube said that the
support to vulnerable households was part of the company`s annual commitment to giving back to
the community.

She said the hampers were a small way of helping with recognition of the challenges that many
families were facing.

“Through our subsidiary S & M Hand of Compassion, we have a day we have set aside annually to
give back to the community. We are aware of the challenges that many families are facing, especially
widows and persons with disabilities, and we believe that this small gesture will lighten the load on
these families,” said Dr. Dube.

While diversity and inclusion is cited as a top value by almost every organisation, people with
disabilities often are overlooked or under-supported. Few organisations include initiatives for
embracing people with disabilities. Many do not consider whether their policies and practices are
making it harder than necessary for people with disabilities to fully participate.

Midlands Association for the Promotion of Rights and Welfare of the Blind, Director, Solomon
Gwengwe applauded River Valley Properties group of companies for its disability-inclusive approach.

“I thank the company for its perennial kind gesture, they have shown the nation that we are people
together by creating an inclusive event where us people with disabilities feel welcome and
comfortable and where we are seen, valued, and respected,” he said while challenging other
companies and organisations to emulate what River Valley always do annually.

“Having good disability inclusion policies isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s good for everyone, at
every level, of your company,” Gwengwe added.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube,
Gweru District Development Coordinator, Tarisai Mudadigwa thanked the company for the gesture.

“I on behalf of the Minister, thank you River Valley, for your honouring your Corporate Social
Responsibility pledge through such people-centric activities which have seen it coming to the aid of
various communities in Gweru, Shurugwi and Zvishavane,” he said.