ulterior motives. This narrative ignores the simple fact that Zimbabweans were irate over the drastic fuel
price increase of 130% which was announced by President Mnangagwa. Therefore their reaction was a
mere organic process from the President’s announcement. While not condoning acts of violence that
accompany demonstrations and protests it is important to state that the Constitution in section 59 allows
citizens to demonstrate and petition. ZPP has recorded numerous cases of violations perpetrated by state
security agents against children and women who did not participate in the demonstrations but were hounded
from their homes, beaten and arrested.
This heavy handed approach by the state in dealing with matters was highlighted by Freedom of Expression
and Access to Information in Africa Commissioner, Lawrence Mute who questioned why the state would
“use a blanket to kill a bee?” with respect to the shutting down of the internet during the January
demonstrations.
The continued deprivation of food and other aid for other citizens despite repeated assurances by
government is a sure sign that the matter needs to be addressed with urgency. The abounding cases that
ZPP has reported on deprivation due to party affiliation are an indication that there is no change on the
ground and the state must move swiftly to address the matter.
Sadly though, it is note that leaders are taking matters of political expediency as priority than in addressing
concerns of a suffering citizenry. On Wednesday the 23rd of October 2019 Parliamentarians were debating
President Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), when MDC Proportional Representation MP
Jasmine Toffa asked a supplementary question to Minister of Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare
Sekai Nzenza on why the vulnerable such as the elderly, and/or infirm were forced to pay transport fees for
their aid. Before Minister Nzenza could respond, Minister Ziyambi interjected and stated that opposition
party MPs must not expect answers from Ministers appointed by President Mnangagwa as they do not
recognise the president. The situation degenerated into chaos and the pertinent question of beneficiaries
being forced to pay transport fees was eventually not addressed.
It is rather disappointing to note how political battle lines are taking precedence over prioritising issues of
national importance; in this instance addressing problems related to food and other aid distribution. ZPP
hopes that the distinct fissures that exist between the mainline parties are addressed as a matter of urgency
so that the leaders coalesce in fighting for the common man, than against each other.
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