On March 5, Chinese Ambassador Lin Lin and Zimbabwean Minister of Local Government Mr. Chombo signed the notes for a donation of $500,000 in cash by the Chinese government to help the Zimbabwean government fight against the floods. The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Made and other senior officials attended the ceremony.

In his speech, Ambassador Lin said that after the embassy conveyed the appeal for assistance from the Zimbabwean Government to the flood-stricken Tokwe-Mukorsi Dam Basin area, the Chinese Government made a quick response. "This action embodies the strong ties we have as all-weather friends with profound traditional friendship between our Governments and peoples." On February 18, the Chinese community and enterprises donated goods including blankets, quilts, tents, food, medical kits and so on with a total worth of over $44,000. He hoped that with the donation and support from China as well as the rest of the international community, under the decisive leadership by H.E. President Mugabe and the Government, the Zimbabwean people will succeed in the battle against the floods and in the reconstruction of their homeland.

Minister Chombo said that the Chinese government and people are the first to respond to the Zimbabwean government's appeal for assistance, which again demonstrates the cordial relations between China and Zimbabwe that date back to the liberation struggles. "H.E. President Mugabe's 'look east' policy has yielded fruitful results in recent years. The donation by the Chinese government will be of great help to the over 2500 households affected by the flood." He appealed for other countries to follow China's lead and ensured that the aid will be properly allocated to benefit the flood victims.

Local media including the Herald, ZTV and Star FM radio covered the function.