Lupane Set to Host National Families Day Commemorations

Lupane in Matabeleland North is set to host this year’s national International Day of Families commemorations on Friday, with Government placing renewed focus on strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and improving household livelihoods as part of broader efforts to build resilient communities.

The commemorations, which have been moved from Harare to Matabeleland North, are expected to spotlight the critical role of families in national development while advancing programmes aimed at economic empowerment, particularly for women and community-based enterprises.

Announcing the programme in Harare, Monica Mutsvangwa said the decision to host the event in Lupane reflects Government’s commitment to decentralising development initiatives and ensuring that empowerment programmes reach rural and previously underserved communities.

Minister Mutsvangwa said the commemorations would place strong emphasis on promoting small businesses, cooperatives and entrepreneurship as key drivers of household income generation and sustainable economic growth.

Government, she said, continues to support women-led micro-enterprises and cooperatives through targeted funding, skills development and training programmes designed to strengthen family incomes and improve economic resilience at community level.

The commemorations also come against the backdrop of growing social challenges, including poverty, gender-based violence, child neglect and rising youth drug abuse, issues authorities say are increasingly linked to economic hardship and family instability.

Officials believe strengthening family structures and expanding economic opportunities through SMEs will play a critical role in addressing these challenges while fostering social cohesion and long-term community development.

The International Day of Families is commemorated globally to recognise the central role families play in social development and to encourage policies that promote their welfare, stability and economic well-being.

By Witness A Phiri