Monitoring News
17
October
2016
The Zimbabwe Peace Project is gravely concerned by the continued discrimination of other citizens in the distribution of food thus violating their
right to food. ZPP is worried by the deliberate exclusion of other citizens in the distribution of food when most Zimbabweans are struggling as
the food situation is dire considering that most granaries are dry. The country witnessed the distrbution of food at a Zanu PF rally in Norton
constituency which meant that all other citizens regardless of their food vulnerabilities were excluded. There is going to be a by election in
Norton on October 22, 2016. The seat fell vacant when Chris Mutsvangwa was expelled from Zanu PF. In the first two weeks of October ZPP
took note of the following reports related to discrimination and denial of food to those considered to be politically ‘incorrect’.
Province
Date
Provincial highlights
Mashonaland
West
4 October
In Hurungwe West it is reported that village heads were given a directive by the Mashuma District Chairperson, Morgan
Maswe, to ensure that villagers are in Zanu PF cell structures in order for them benefit from the food aid and agricultural
input programmes.
15 October
Councillor Ethilege Mbangani of Waze village in Chegutu East is said to have distributed maize meant for the food for work
programme to individuals that had not participated in the initiative. It is alleged that he distributed the food to Zanu PF
supporters from his ward and a select few villagers who offered their labour in exchange for food..
15 October
Councillor Gladys Kanhema from ward 18 in Chegutu East is alleged to have received bribes from villagers who are in need
of maize but had not taken part in the food for work programme. Officials from the local Social Welfare department are
reported to have resisted the councillor’s interference.
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