November MMR
PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK
Matabeleland South
Midlands
In
Midlands
Province,
were
An increase in human rights violations has been
documented, down from 17 in the previous month. Violations
reported in Matabeleland South, with 24 incidents
included
and
documented, from the 14 cases recorded last
politicisation of food aid and agricultural inputs. Several
month. Violations of Freedom of Assembly and
incidents of intimidation included the harassment of known
Association were documented in a controversial
political activists by ZANU PF enthusiasts who are fixated on
process in Matobo South on the politicization of
promoting the ‘ED2030’ campaign seeking to extend President
traditional leaders. ZANU PF Ward 3 Councillor, Mr.
Mnangagwa’s rule beyond 2028. The incidents were reported in
Fredrick Siwella, forcefully mobilized village heads
Chiwundura and Kwekwe among other areas. In Chiwundura,
and local traditional leaders to attend a ruling
ZANU PF activists Calvin Mhondiwa, Forbes Choto and Adam
party ideology orientation in Harare. This incident
Dhliwayo threatened a male victim belonging to a group
may have violated the Traditional Leaders Act,
supporting former CCC Leader Nelson Chamisa, allegedly for
which prohibits traditional leaders from engaging
campaigning against the ongoing ‘Mnangagwa beyond 2028’
in partisan politics. Approximately 35 village heads
movement promising to deal with the victim violently and
under Chief Nyangazonke were affected by
extending such treatment to anyone against the campaign.
Siwella's actions. Unfair practices in food aid
Violations of the freedom of association were also reported
distribution was also recorded across the province.
during food aid and agricultural inputs distributions, where
Some unfair practices in the administration of
ruling party officials gathered community members for party
government-sponsored food aid were reported in
meetings before food distributions and also compelled stranded
areas such as Gwanda South. Several beneficiaries
beneficiaries to participate in chanting party slogans. In Gokwe
were disadvantaged when their names were
South, about 8 people were denied food aid because their
omitted from the beneficiaries list due to their
names were not appearing in the ruling party’s cell structures.
failure to contribute transport and administration
This widespread political discrimination furthers the impact of
fees. This has exacerbated food insecurity crises in
drought and food insecurity of community members while
the region.
intimidation,
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human
prejudice,
rights
unfair
violations
practices
perpetuating the disregard of political rights.
Bulawayo
In Bulawayo, the highlights in human rights concerns related to
social services, access to water being a major concern. The
water situation in Bulawayo Province remains a pressing
concern, infringing on citizens' fundamental rights to health and
a clean, safe environment. Prolonged water shortages have
become a harsh reality, with many residents going without
running tap water for weeks or even months. The crisis has
affected thousands of people, with approximately 2000
individuals in Cowdray Park alone struggling to access this
essential resource. The City's water rationing programme,
implemented due to low water levels in major dams, has only
exacerbated the situation. This ongoing water crisis poses
significant risks to public health, exacerbating the vulnerability
of affected communities. Urgent action is necessary to address
this critical issue and ensure that citizens' basic human rights
are protected.
Masvingo
9 human rights violations were documented in
Masvingo, a significant drop from 30 violations in
October.. Government aid distribution in the province
has been marred by unfairness and discrimination. In
some instances, individuals have been denied aid
without clear reasons, while others with connections
to the ruling party have benefited. For example, in
Ward 10, Zaka North, a resident's allocation of
agricultural supplies was confiscated by a Kraal
head’s wife Perlagia Mhike for no specified reasons,
while in Masvingo North ward 14, a visually impaired
resident was denied food aid by a ZANU PF
chairperson. Such incidents highlight the need for
transparency and accountability in aid distribution to
ensure that assistance reaches those who need it
most.
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