Donkeys Deserve Respect, Say Villagers in Bold Awareness Blitz
GWANDA – Villagers in Gwanda’s Ward 17 have launched a grassroots campaign to combat the abuse and neglect of donkeys, pushing for humane treatment of animals that are central to rural life and livelihoods.
Formed under the Manama Donkey Care Committee, seven villagers from across the ward are leading efforts to promote responsible care.
Their mission is to challenge the mindset that sees donkeys as disposable—despite their daily role in ferrying firewood, water, and harvests.
Committee member Ms Sandisiwe Nkomo said the time had come to confront deep-rooted neglect.
“Donkeys are the engines of our rural economy—they carry water, firewood, grain—yet many people treat them as if they’re worthless.
“We’re saying that ends now. These animals deserve the same care and respect we give to cattle, goats or any other livestock,” she said.
Members have received training in donkey welfare—covering feeding, load limits, and basic health care—and are now passing that knowledge to fellow villagers through community workshops and discussions.
According to H-Metro, Ms Nkomo urged villagers to re-evaluate how they view their working animals.
“A donkey that’s well fed and treated with dignity works longer, lives longer, and helps the family more. If we fail to look after them, we’re only short-changing ourselves,” she explained.
The campaign forms part of the government-supported programme Advancing Work Donkey Welfare Standards for Enhancing Women Empowerment and Building Resilient Livelihoods.
In collaboration with Women and Land in Zimbabwe, the initiative promotes animal protection alongside community development and gender equity.
Launched recently in Gwanda District, the programme highlights how humane animal treatment builds stronger rural communities—especially for women who depend on donkeys for everyday tasks.
Organisers say protecting the animal means protecting the household.
In Manama, where donkeys have long shouldered the burdens of daily survival, villagers are rewriting the script—one bridle, one conversation, one act of care at a time.
Their message is clear: cruelty is no longer tradition. Donkeys matter, and how we treat them says everything about the communities we hope to build.
