The continued deprivation of food and other aid targeting beneficiaries who need it most is of grave concern. As
the lean season continues while people are waiting for the next farming season, there is likely to be growing
numbers of people requiring aid. Therefore, the continuing partisan distribution of aid as well as the demand for
transport fees before people benefit is adding a further burden to these vulnerable groups.
Another point to note is how Cyclone Idai survivors were given expired food aid on 5 September 2019. Mealie
meal with a 19 June 2019 expiry date and tinned beef showing a 22 July 2019 expiry date were allegedly distributed
to more than 80 families at Garikai Camp, 53 families at Aboratum Camp and more than 30 at Nyamatanda Camp
in Chimanimani East Ward 15. The food distribution was led by the District Administrator and Social Welfare
officers.
ZPP recalls the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and Local Housing July Moyo’s assertion that local
leaders will not be directly involved in the distribution of food and other aid to avert partisan distribution. However,
on the ground these violations are continuing unabated. ZPP calls upon authorities to speedily address these issues
to avoid the continued violation of the Right to food as stated in Section 77 (b) of the Constitution which states
that every person has the right to sufficient food.
The economic meltdown being currently experienced is proving to be a never-ending cycle while the leadership
does not seem to offer a lasting solution. Prices are escalating as the Zimbabwean dollar keeps losing value, power
cuts continue, water shortages are rife and health institutions are on lockdown as essential staff have gone on strike.
President Mnangagwa left for the 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York with an entourage of 90
even as the country is reeling with all these challenges. ZPP is concerned that while basic needs such as water and
food for some are hard to come by austerity measures do not apply to all. Zimbabwe has to consider better
prioritization.
Provision of the Right to Education as stated in Section 75 of the Constitution is continually being violated as
school children are being turned away from school for their parents’ failure to pay school fees. This is despite
government continually stating that children must not be punished for their parents’ failures. Furthermore, the fact
that some schools have resorted to coercing children into child labor contrary to provisions of Section 81 (e) as
demonstrated by reports from St Patrick’s Primary School in Gweru-Chiwundura is of real concern and needs to
be addressed as a matter of urgency.