Matabeleland North
The major political activity in the province in the month of November was the intensive
resource mobilisation for the Zanu-PF conference which was slated for early December in
Victoria Falls.
As such, only Zanu-PF was visible on the ground as they were busy preparing for their
annual conference in Victoria Falls. Civic society organizations were more active in
commemorating the 16 days of activism against gender based violence.
Poverty and hunger affected communities of Binga, Tsholotsho Lupane and Hwange the
worst. Several cases of children, especially girls dropping out of school due to poverty
and early marriages were noted. Environmental rights were grossly violated by poachers
who used cyanide to poison water and kill elephants. As a result elephants, birds and
other animals died.
Highlights:
On 4 November 2015, Philip Nyoni, a member of the Social Welfare
Department team distributing food at Madimoni Centre in Lusulu was
accused of being an MDC-T member and had his phone taken from him for
several hours by Zanu-PF district chairperson for Sinamagonde District,
Allan Tshuma. He was also verbally insulted.
Matabeleland South
Few political activities were noted in the province in November as people went about
mainly looking for food. The severe heat wave also restricted people’s movements.
Political parties held low level meetings. Intra-party conflict within Zanu-PF was noted in
some areas as members were scrambling for limited opportunity to go to Victoria Falls
for their conference set for December. The rally held by the First Lady and Vice President
Phelekezela Mphoko in the province fuelled more controversy as members fought for
recognition.
Highlights:
On 17 November 2015, Japhet Moyo, a Zanu-PF committee member, and
kraal head, Azeron Nkala, removed chairperson of the local Red Cross
garden committee and a pastor with the Zion Church from his post as the
committee chairperson accusing him of not being a member of Zanu- PF.
This disadvantaged villagers as they want a non partisan person for the Red
Cross programme.
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