...10 Steps backwards
The Zimbabwe Peace Project continues to uncover disturbing trends in food aid distribution across the
country, despite efforts to curb corruption and theft. A pervasive culture of political discrimination persists,
with ruling party structures exerting significant influence over the selection and distribution of governmentsponsored aid. This has led to traditional leaders and community members being overridden in determining
who needs aid most, with some communities receiving no consultation whatsoever.
Only those supporting the ruling party often have access to food aid, while opposition supporters are
frequently excluded. This partisan approach has devastating consequences for vulnerable families. Traditional
leaders and other parties involved have been falsifying beneficiary numbers to receive more rations. For
instance, a family of five allocated 7.5kg of grain per month may have their numbers inflated to receive excess
grain, which is later sold or distributed among party loyalists. The cash for cereals program has also been
compromised. In Bulawayo wards 11 and 16, beneficiaries using Eonet lines were instructed to re-register with
new Netone lines, further marginalising already vulnerable groups. These actions undermine the integrity of aid
distribution and perpetuate inequality.
The Zimbabwe Peace Project's findings underscore the need for urgent reforms to ensure aid reaches those
who need it most, regardless of political affiliation. Transparency, accountability, and community-led
distribution processes are essential to combating corruption and promoting equitable access to aid.
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