Harare – Global Telecom Billionaire and Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Founder Strive Masiiwa rewarded a cyclone Idai heroine’s humanity with a lifetime monthly allowance of ZWL$1,000 and a promise to build her a solar powered house in a location of her choice. In the wake of cyclone Idai’s destruction in Chimanimani, Zimbabweans from all walks of life came together to console and donate to cyclone victims. One outstanding act of charity by a granny who walked for 17 kilometres to donate her only pots and pans to victims of the cyclone caught the eye of global telecom billionaire and Econet founder, Strive Masiiwa. The woman, who resides in Harare’s high density suburb of Highfields, could not afford US$0.50 to commute to Highlands to hand in her donations to a local church for ferrying to Chimanimani. In his words, the Econet founder said, “Gogo (Granny) came to give. This is the biblical widow’s mite. She gave more than us all.”
Strive Masiiwa is a globally recognised philanthropist whose works span from animal conservation charity to humanitarian works. The philanthropist went on to recognise that what this lady did was one of the most remarkable acts of compassion he had ever seen. “When this is over, I’m going to find her, and invite her to come and see me, if possible. Then: I will spend time in prayer with her!”
The history of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe will be incomplete without prayer, the Telecom mogul documented in his memoirs as his mobile network operating licence application for Econet, now Zimbabwe’s largest mobile network operator was marred by political obstacles which spilled the case to the courtrooms as Strive Masiiwa faithfully fought for what was rightfully his – Econet Wireless Zimbabwe.
In his philanthropic pledge to the lady who gave her all for her fellow countrymen in their moment of need, Strive Masiiwa said,” then I will build her a house, anywhere she wants in Zimbabwe! It will have solar power and running water. Then: I will give her a monthly allowance of $1000 for life! Why? I admire people who are moved to act in a crisis. God bless you if you are moved to act as she did. It is not about how much you have”. This gesture by the Econet founder and Executive Chairman adds to Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s successful fundraising drive for cyclone Idai victims.
Indeed God has blessed the granny who remembered to help her kith and kin! Again, God bless Strive Masiiwa for rewarding the poor lady’s big heart. Lastly, God bless and give hope to the people of Zimbabwe.
