Mpofu works at Teleflex Inc., the healthcare company in Limerick, but he is also intent on combating hunger in Zimbabwe. His mission work is done through Perkiomenville Mennonite Church on Gravel Pike, which has offered to provide the Zimbabwe farm projects a nonprofit status and way to give.
His first Zimbabwe project began a few years back with delivering a farm tractor to the land locked country on the southern continent of Africa, which has suffered mismanagement, hyperinflation and financial strife.
The tractor equipment that Americans take for granted everyday enabled a small African farm to plant and harvest a corn crop. Zimbabwe is plagued with droughts and rainy seasons that put in jeopardy the countrys major flour and other corn-based staple food.
Mpofu was able to purchase and ship the farm tractor through donations. He is also seeking clothing donations, which benefit many people in Zimbabwe.
His first corn project was a huge success, but Zimbabwe is always prey to climate extremes. Due to the countrys political climate, its people have grown accustomed to living a life in limbo. Struggling to survive has become the norm, as opposed to a passing phase.
Farmers are used to travelling long distances to collect water for their cattle and families. That is why Mpofus equipment-raising project is now a well digging rig and backhoe to be shipped to the heart of Africa.
Again, money will be raised through donations administered through Perkiomen Mennonite. The well outfit will ease the burden of farmers who plan to use it to raise and harvest their corn crop. The equipment will also provide much needed water to irrigate fields during the drought season.
Shipping cost for the container to Zimbabwe is approximately US$12,000, but Mpofu is undaunted and believes in the generosity of others. He has already begun collections to secure the equipment.
Through creative means, donations of household items are being processed to make the project happen. Items include donations of household items as diverse as batteries, digital technology and barbed wire. The Perkiomenville Mennonite Church
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