By A Correspondent| Zimbabwe’s influential traditional healer, Sekuru Banda has been shortlisted for an International Humanitarian Award in recognition of his wide ranging philanthropic work in support of vulnerable members of society.

Sekuru Banda said his charity work was noticed by an organization called Trumpet which recognized his support to the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I started the food support programme, the main aim was to inspire individuals and companies to do the same and assist the needy members of our society. It was never a publicity stunt, NO!

“Even now, helping the needy is something that all of us should do and I am humbled by the award that at least there are people who recognised the work we do. We did it out on our volition and used our own resources with support from donors but we forked the money out of our pockets,” Sekuru Banda said.

The prominet traditional healer said he is looking to double his support the vulnerable members of society in 2021.

“The initial prediction is that 2021 is going to be worse than last year and because of that more people would need food aid. So this year it is proving to be a difficult one because we are starting with lockdown,” he said.

Among other his philanthropic work, Sekuru Banda travelled across Zimbabwe donating groceries to the elderly in all the 10 provinces.

Families received food hampers worth thousands of dollars as well as Personal Protective Equipment during the lockdown including hand sanitizers and gloves.

He also extended the support to prominent people including former boxer Alphonse ‘Mosquito’ Zvenyika who got a shot in the arm for his Boxing Academy in Mbare.

He also assisted famed street theatre personality Marabha by building a house for him in Epworth.

Marabha’s ally Kapfupi was also assisted to get a residential stand in Chitungwiza while former Dynamos legend George Shaya got groceries and medical support.