Provincial Outlook
Mashonaland Central
Mashonaland Central recorded cases of discrimination of citizens and
opposition supporters during government aid distributions. On 12 November
2023 fertiliser Compound D and seed maize were distributed at Ruvinga
business centre in Gurve South ward 7. It is said that only ZANU PF
supporters benefited from the exercise. The distribution was reportedly
convened by village head Chriswel Chipuriro, Zanu PF councillor Shelton
Gombwe and an agricultural extension officer. Many people especially CCC
members did not benefit. Discrimination was reported in Gurve North at
Negomo Primary School in Kazunga village, ward 19. It is alleged that village
headman Learnmore Muzava distributed Pfumvudza rations to his relatives
and friends. Reports indicate that only his close associates received
Compound D fertiliser and maize seed while the elderly groups were left out. A
dispute was reported in Rushinga between agricultural extension officers and
Rushinga legislator Tendai Nyabani on 25 November at Chimhanda Township
in ward 15. Reports say that Nyabani emphasised that Agritex staff should
adhere to regulations issued by politicians not to distribute inputs to opposition
supporters. It is said that Nyabani warned Agritex officers that failure to comply
with the ruling party's set standards and procedures may end up putting them
in serious trouble. Furthermore, he warned the staff that if they resist following
instructions when they get in trouble they should not also seek his assistance.
Matabeleland South Province
The province witnessed violations of political rights. At ward 6 of Gwanda
North, it was reported that ZANU PF activists identified as Abednego Nyoni
and Ndaba Nyoni threatened to beat up known opposition activists. It is said
that the duo made these threats during the distribution of the farming inputs at
Mtshazo Irrigation. In Beitbridge West ward 6, it was reported that 7 suspected
ZANU PF youths destroyed a billboard for the Citizen Coalition for Change.
The assailants were led by one youth identified as Rendo. The billboard was a
media exhibit for the party which also expressed the campaign message for
Morgen Ncube who is the candidate for Beitbridge West constituency under
CCC.
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