PM, Mkapa contribute 7.5m/- to fight hunger

Telefood matron Mama Anna Mkapa (3rd L) awaits PM Edward Lowassa to officiate at gala.From (L) are FAO Resident Representative Louise Setshwaelo,Telefood chairman Franco Tramontano & Agriculture,Food Security & Cooperative deputy minister David Mathayo.

Prime Minister Edward Ngoyai Lowassa and former President Benjamin Mkapa are among prominent persons who contributed money during an anti-hunger fund-raiser that took place in Dar es Salaam over the weekend. Lowassa donated 5m/- while Mkapa gave 2.5/-.

Speaking during the function, the chairman of Telefood Tanzania, Franco Tramontano, said the society needed more funds to curb hunger.

`Telefood Tanzania has funded a number of groups to enable them to establish projects that would get rid of hunger and reduce poverty levels. I call upon the assisted groups to employ jobless people as the only way to create quality life for all citizens,` said Tramontano.

He said Telefood Tanzania endeavoured to help the society overcome hunger and poverty.

For his part, a representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization, James Yonazi, said that Telefood endeavoured to solicit funds from donors and help poverty ridden areas.

Speaking at the same venue, the Head of Vodacom Foundation, Rachel Phares, said Vodacom had been contributing to the fight against hunger.

She said Vodacom would maintain its commitment to support community services such as education, health and agriculture.

The fundraising event was jointly organized by the Equal Opportunity Trust Fund, Telefood Tanzania and Vodacom Tanzania Limited.