WIDOW to former Zimbabwean President Canaan Sodindo Banana,
Mrs Janet Madade Banana has received a brand new Ford Everest car from
Government as part of her benefits.
The Government early in the year, made a commitment to pay
Mrs Banana’ medical bills on top of other benefits after she returned to
Zimbabwe after an 18-year stay in the United Kingdom. All former First Ladies
are entitled to certain packages.
In an interview at her sister’s home in Southwold suburb in
Bulawayo on Friday, Mrs Banana said she was grateful to the Government for
fulfilling its promise.
“The vehicle was delivered on 8 August. It was a shock
really, although I had been expecting it for a long time. In the end I was
really glad and appreciate what Government has done for me so far. It is a Ford
Everest, I even bought a shed for it to cover it and protect it from the sun
and the rain,” she said, smiling.
Mrs Banana said the Government was also taking care of her
medical bills as she was still undergoing treatment. She also acknowledged that
she has been receiving her pension, but added that there were still some
outstanding issues that were still to be addressed.
“They are still sorting out my accommodation, security and
general upkeep. When I returned home I had to ask my sister to live with her as
the Government had said I could be put in a hotel while I wait for my
accommodation to be sorted out. But I turned that offer down because I did not
want to be isolated and lonely in a hotel,” she said.
Mrs Banana sang praises to the First Lady Amai Auxillia
Mnangagwa who visited her in June.
“I am grateful for Amai Mnangagwa’s initiative of coming
here to see me, I told her about my problems such as accommodation and
transport. I am really thankful to her, she is a star to me. Things have been
progressing since her coming,” said Mrs Banana.
Mrs Banana also took time to highlight the need for
Zimbabweans to assist in nation building and not focus merely on living in the
diaspora.
“Living in a foreign country is not easy; don’t envy those
that are out of the country. I know there are hardships that are there at home
but I think to conquer these hardships we need to work together to unite for
the progress of the country,” she said.
Mrs Banana said she is not going back to the UK.
“I am not going back to the UK. I have decided to retire
and live in Zimbabwe, I even had my sister sending me some of my belongings
because when I left the UK, I was going on holiday in South Africa and I became
seriously ill.
“My visa was now expiring in South Africa and I spoke to
the Ambassador about my predicament and he suggested I come to Zimbabwe and
apply for another visa and go back but I told him once I go home that is it,”
she said.
“I go to Methodist Church in Zimbabwe and I have been there
once, when I get better I will be going more often and I am now mobile.” Sunday
News
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