In the same vein, it was also interesting to note Minister Nzenza’s comments in Chikomba East
Constituency on 29th of October 2019 where she reportedly stated that party leaders should refrain from
involvement in food distribution so that aid is given to the needy in a fair and transparent manner. This is a
refreshing acknowledgement of the problem that ZPP and other stakeholders have continually maintained
exists. Previously the Minister had repeatedly denied that partisan distribution of aid was taking place. ZPP
hopes that this is a genuine turn around by the Minister and not a move to hoodwink the Special Rapporteur
on the Right to Food who is due to visit Zimbabwe in November 2019.
It is also imperative at this juncture, for the state to clearly make stringent and concerted efforts in
addressing the shrinking economic climate in order to alleviate the suffering of Zimbabweans. It is of great
concern that children are bearing the brunt of these economic hardships as they are dropping out of school
to get married at a tender age while others are resorting to illegal mining and working as house help. Other
vulnerable groups are also at great risk as the economy takes a nose dive and the socio economic
environment fails to address and allow them to enjoy rights that are guaranteed by the constitution.
On the other hand the strike by junior doctors citing incapacitation should not be seen as a challenge to the
leadership, but should clearly indicate to them that there are fundamental economic issues that need to be
addressed urgently. This is further shown through the continued running battles between vendors and
Municipal police in urban areas, indicating that the situation is dire and people are doing all they can to
earn a living. However, the default to intimidatory tactics as have been applied by the powers that be will
not yield any positive and meaningful change. Instead it will do much in slotting a deeper wedge between
different parties, possibly creating a fertile ground for civil unrest. This needs to be addressed as a matter
of urgency.
ZPP noted with concern the continued use of intimidatory tactics to coerce people into attending the antisanctions marches held across the country. It was even more worrying in instances where children were
also forced to chant slogans and take part in the marches. Many relevant stakeholders take note that our
Constitution in Section 81 (h) determines that children should ‘not be compelled to take part in any political
activity’. It is important that children’s rights are respected and that they are protected from this abuse of
being roped into political activities.
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