#PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK
HARARE
WHAT WAS SUPPOSED
TO BE A NATIONAL
CONVERGENCE DAY
FOR ALL CITIZENS
TURNED-OUT TO BE A
ZANU PF PARTY
PROGRAM
MASH
CENTRAL
ON 16 APRIL 2022,
VILLAGERS IN MAZOWE
SOUTH AT PROTEA FARM
(WARD 16) WERE FORCED
TO CONTRIBUTE CASH
TOWARDS THE
INDEPENDENCE DAY
COMMEMORATIONS.
On 18 April 2022, Zimbabwe commemorated 42 years of
independence. In Harare, the government commissioned
Zupco buses to ferry Zanu PF supporters to show-grounds
where the commemorations were held. Hundreds of Zanu PF
supporters clad in party regalia from Glenview, Epworth,
Hopely, Mufakose and other communities received Zupco
transport to and from the commemorations. Most of the
information on independence was not communicated publicly
but indirectly through Zanu PF party structures where
mobilisation of youths was taking place. What was supposed
to be a national convergence day for all citizens turned-out to
be a Zanu PF party program/rally graced by members of the
security sector which therefore discouraged many citizens
from attending. In a disturbing case, CitizenS Coalition for
Change (CCC) youth assembly member Makomborero
Haruzivishe was nearly abducted by suspected state security
agents on Independence Day. Haruzivishe narrowly escaped
abduction and sustained bruises on his hands. The
unidentified men driving suspicious vehicles failed to achieve
their mission and drove off at high speed.
The Independence Day commemorations in Mashonaland
Central province were conducted at district and constituency
level. The major challenge citizens encountered during the
commemorations were forced contributions by Zanu PF and
traditional leaders. There was a disturbing trend of violations
where people were forced to contribute in cash and in kind
towards the celebrations.
This trend has been notable since year 2000 to date and Zanu
PF has been at the centre of all actions by traditional leaders
forcing civil servants (teachers, nurses) and villagers to
contribute against their will. In Mazowe South Glendale Zanu
PF district members came up with an ambitious list of food
and non-food items which they went around demanding from
the business fraternity, individuals and house holds. Below
are some of the incidents.
On 16 April 2022, villagers in Mazowe South at Protea farm
(Ward 16) were forced to contribute cash towards the
Independence Day commemorations. Zanu PF Youth
Chairperson Mcdonald Chagaka and Youth Secretary Jealous
Franciso went around the farm compounds collecting $1.00
USD contributions per household.
In Bindura South ward 12 at Muonwe Township Zanu PF
chairperson Abraham Mhembere, coerced villagers to
contribute cash towards the Independence Day
commemorations. Villagers were made to contribute a $1.00
USD per household and Mhembere claimed the ruling party,
Zanu PF, was fundraising money to purchase a cow for the
celebrations
19