The Harare City Council praised the First Lady’s programs but insisted it was not obliged to fund them.
“The City of Harare would like to set the record straight on the misleading story published by NewsDay on 23 September 2024 where it was alleged that programs implemented by the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr A. Mnangagwa, are a drain on Council resources
“The City of Harare does not pay money to implement the programmes, but it pays for accommodation and other related allowances for Harare City Council members and staff who participate in these programs if they are conducted outside the boundaries of Harare. This is in line with Council policy.
“If donations are required for the successful implementation of programmes, the City of Harare, like any other organization operating in Zimbabwe, can assist as part of the CSR programme. The Council is not coerced or coerced and only does so when cash flows permit.
“The programs run by the First Lady are important to combat domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse and substance abuse, and as a local authority and as part of the social services programme, we are expected to participate and support such important initiatives.
“Drug and substance abuse is a pervasive issue affecting communities in Zimbabwe, and Harare, as the capital, plays a critical role in addressing this problem through the implementation of effective prevention, treatment and harm reduction programmes,” council spokesperson Stanley Jama said.
