4.1.2 Universal Access to the Common Good – De-politicization of Agriculture Inputs and food, a Fundamental Basic Right ● "Dhongi rinomwa padhongi - mombe inomwa pamombe" 18 ● "A foal feeds on a jennet - and a calf on a cow" Food is critical for survival. It is a basic right. If somebody is denied humanitarian aid or food in Zimbabwe, it would mean a violation of two fundamental constitutional rights: right to life under Section 48 and right to food under Section 77 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act 2013. The processes of food distribution illustrated in this report are an epitome of the erosion of the gift of love in communities bestowed in us by God who loved us first and created us in his own image (Gen 1:27). In extreme cases, the justification of the denial of food aid on the basis of political affiliation, for example, shows the extent to which the sense of respect for human dignity, human life and participation has been lost. What it entails is, as put by one participant, ―unless if you support the political party that I like, unless if you become like me, you better die [of hunger].ǁ A hatred for diversity doesn't reflect love for the one who created it. Differences should be celebrated because of their beauty, usefulness and because they are the work of our Father in Heaven. The following are some cases where political opponents were denied food or humanitarian aid ahead of Zimbabwe's 2018 Harmonized Elections: Case 6 On the 29th of November 2016, there was partisanship in the distribution process in Zhombe at Mashambanzou Shopping Center in Gweru diocese. The maize seed came from the Social Welfare Department and the President's office and the food was distributed by the ZANU PF Chairperson, Mr Majoko. The seed was distributed to ZANU PF supporters only as publicly announced by the ZANU PF district chairperson: "kana uchiziva hako kuti hausi we ZANU PF don't waste your time muchiuya pano hatisikukupai" (if you know you are not a ZANU PF supporter don't waste your time coming to this meeting we are not going to give you anything). According to testimonials by witnesses, this occurred around 12pm. One needy household head asked "...ko yarasika haidzorwe here mudanga...?" meaning that the lost ―sheepǁ should be granted opportunity to join ZANU PF once again in order to benefit from humanitarian aid. Case 7 ―Food was distributed on political affiliations here in Nyanga Deanery between September and November 2016. The food beneficiary lists were compiled by traditional leaders and submitted to the Department of Social Welfare. Most food-for-work beneficiaries in Nyanga are card holders of the ruling party. Similarly, in other deaneries such as Mutasa, food aid has also been politicised by the ruling party. Vulnerable families and households who are well known opposition party activists are being denied food aid. In Mutasa deanery, for example, some families are now switching political parties for the convenience of receiving food relief. Four families (one under the Triashill Mission and three at Mutasa District Council) are now receiving food aid after switching political parties and liaising with the headmen. Those being denied continue to cry thus: ● A 26 years old male from Mutasa (Mutare Diocese) expressed: "Imhosva here kusava necard remusangano, vana vangu vofa nenzara nekuti ndirikubato reMDC here?" (Is it now a crime not to possess ZANU PF political membership card. Should my children starve because I belong to MDC?) ● A 61 years old female from Nyatati, Nyanga (Mutare Diocese) said that: ―Sabhuku haasi kutinyorawo pamalist ekuhora chikafu asi tisu vanhu vanotoshaya vacho muno, vanongonyorana vehukama navekubato kwavo", (The village head is not putting us on beneficiary's list, but we are the poor and the vulnerable, they are only considering their relatives and those who belong to their political party) 18 Food or humanitarian deprivation lingo used in some communities - it means people should get food or humanitarian aid from political parties they support 10