Old Mutual Zimbabwe is committed to supporting the development and growth of the Zimbabwean economy through initiatives that foster the development of housing, infrastructure, agriculture and the recovery of businesses.
Recently, Old Mutual launched a US$15 million housing scheme which will see the construction of 3 102 low income housing units in Budiriro high density suburb. This is a major development which will not only help to resolve the housing shortage in the capital, but which will create employment opportunities during the period of development and enhance the revenue generating capacity of the city through the sale of services to inhabitants.
In addition Old Mutual is actively participating in setting up the National Housing Fund, which aims to ease the accommodation shortage in the country through a partnership between the Zimbabwe Association of Pension Funds, IPEC and Ministry of Finance.
Old Mutual Zimbabwe is also working hard to create employment opportunities for the young people of Zimbabwe through the provision of funding for youth projects. Recently, Old Mutual Zimbabwe signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Zimbabwe on a Liquidity Fund which will go towards supporting businesses in Zimbabwe to access capital for operations and expansion.
To add to this Old Mutual is also involved in a number of activities that uplift the livelihoods of many within the Zimbabwean communities. These include:
Education
The Old Mutual Zimbabwe Foundation helps to improve learning standards by supporting various schools in developing their facilities through the construction of classroom and administration blocks, and through participation in various fundraising activities.
One of the more recent and successful education initiatives has been the Maths Olympiad which was started off as a three round competition, designed to promote mathematics at high school level and to identify mathematical talent. Read more...
Health
As a way of uplifting the livelihoods of many, the Old Mutual Zimbabwe Foundation supports the Ruwa Psycho Social Support Trust, which is a group of Ruwa residents living with HIV/AIDS based at the Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre. Apart from this Old Mutual is also a member of the Zimbabwe Business Council on AIDS and actively participates in a number of initiatives in partnership with the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe.
Community
The Old Mutual Zimbabwe Foundation is currently rolling out a programme that will bring internet access to youths and residents in high density suburbs across the country. The Foundation has to date set up the Bulawayo Technology Centre at the Mzilikazi Library and the Highfield Technology Centre within the Highfield Library. The Foundation will be rolling out more Technology Centres in 2012.
Arts and Culture
The Old Mutual Zimbabwe Foundation supports various activities to promote arts and culture, in partnership with Alliance Francaise, Reps Theatre and the Zimbabwe Ballet Centre.
Environment
Environmental preservation and sustainability are one of the areas that need corporate support and involvement hence Old Mutual’s support of the Friends of the Environment in environmental preservation programmes which has seen Old Mutual adopting a nursery with a target of growing 500 trees within the year.
Sports Development
Old Mutual supports Tennis Zimbabwe and the reconstruction of tennis courts at Harare Sports Club which is the home ground for all international and local tennis tournaments (including the Davis Cup and Futures Tournaments).