Midlands
In Zhombe ward 8, the constituency is reported to have received a truck load of maize
on June 2 meant for the drought relief program after the people had done some food
for work programs. The food was still locked at Nebata Primary school by the end of
June with no explanation as to why it was not being distributed. Those involved Mr.
Eleven Posiwa and Ambrose Musekiwa (Zanu PF) are refusing to divulge when the
food would be distributed. This resulted in opposition party members who took part in
the food for work program- Raviro Magumbo* and others to suspect something
sinister about the maize being withheld when it had been delivered. They suspected
the idea was to distribute food to Zanu PF members only thereby violating the rights
of those who exercised their freedom of association as enshrined in the Constitution.
On June 7, a Zanu PF activist only known as Mrs. Dube who is also chairperson for
the party in ward 12 Mkoba availed food hand outs comprising 10kg maize meal and
one bar laundry soap to each of those who attended a Zanu PF meeting. The food it is
believed is being availed as a means of attracting urban voters on the side of Zanu PF.
Currently the party is conducting a recruitment exercise and there is a chance that
such distributions have the potential to discriminate others.
Matebeleland North
Majority of villagers were surviving on one meal a day as they did not harvest
anything and could not afford to buy from shops due to lack of finances. In urban area
of Hwange people have gone for three years without salaries.
During a Social Welfare supported food distribution where each household was to get
50 kg bag of maize meal a ward member barred former councilor John Gama from
getting the food saying it was meant for party members only. This was at
Mbembeswana centre in ward 3.
Matebeleland South
Serious food shortages continued dogging the drought prone province. Organizations like
World Vision supplied food aid to a few selected districts but even this was not enough.
Many villagers would go for up to two days without a meal. The lucky ones would afford one
meal a day. Worst affected districts are Beitbridge, Gwanda and Matobo.
(* - not real names)
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