November MMR
PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK
Mashonaland Central
Mashonaland West
Mashonaland Central recorded 16 human rights
18 violations were documented in Mashonaland West.
abuses, which largely include the distribution and
The distribution of government aid in the province
administration of government sponsored food aid
particularly raised concerns about the exclusion of
and agricultural inputs. The politicisation of food
people with disabilities highlighting the systemic
aid in the province, as with others, have
challenges faced by people with disabilities in
devastating effects on communities, particularly
accessing essential services, including humanitarian
during droughts. Food aid has been used as a tool
aid. The lack of inclusivity and accessibility in aid
for
party
distribution processes can exacerbate the vulnerability
supporters often receiving preferential treatment
of people with disabilities, further marginalizing them
leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition
from their communities. A corruption case was
among vulnerable populations, exacerbating the
reported in Mashonaland West's Zvimba North involving
humanitarian crisis. A recent example illustrates
a syndicate that looted maize seed inputs from the
this point. In Mt Darwin South ward 26, a 2 kg bag
Grain Marketing Board (GMB). The group, consisting of
of maize seed was distributed to each beneficiary
Cornelius Zamachecha, an AREX officer, staff from
household. However, a female victim was denied
Raffingora GMB Depot, Gerald Musikavanhu, the ZANU
aid by a ZANU PF youth committee member, who
PF Mafuta District youth chairperson, and local Chief
claimed she was ineligible due to her support for
reportedly created a fictitious database of input
an independent MP candidate. This incident
recipients. They then received a delivery of inputs
highlights the blatant politicization of food aid,
meant for 55 beneficiaries, which they shared among
where individuals are punished for their political
themselves, excluding the intended recipients. This
affiliations perpetuating hunger and malnutrition
incident highlights the need for transparency and
and
accountability in the distribution of government aid.
political
manipulation,
exacerbating
social
with
and
ruling
economic
inequalities.
ZPP recommends that the Zimbabwe Republic Police
investigate such cases and bring perpetrators to book.
Mashonaland East
Mashonaland East documented 10 human rights violations highlighting the widespread politicisation and
maladministration of food aid and disregard of human rights. The distribution of food aid in the province has
been compromised by the overbearing influence of the ruling ZANU PF party. This has resulted in the
politicisation of aid, with access to food assistance often conditional upon an individual's political affiliation.
ZANU PF officials control beneficiary selection, distribute aid through party structures, and intimidate or
coerce those perceived as opposing the party. This has led to the exclusion of vulnerable populations,
perpetuation of poverty and hunger, and undermining of democratic principles. In Ward 7 of Seke, ZANU PF
convened a meeting to discuss the distribution of government sponsored inputs. The meeting was marred by
allegations of partisanship, with agricultural extension workers barred from attending due to suspected
opposition sympathies. The meeting, chaired by ZANU PF Councillor Simbarashe Ngarande, reportedly
resolved to allocate aid exclusively to perceived ruling party members, raising concerns about the
politicisation of humanitarian assistance.
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