Minister Zhanda's tribal remarks anger Matabeleland farmers

Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Deputy Minister responsible for livestock, Paddy Zhanda hs angered a section of Matabeleland farmers by insinuating that they are selfish.

Zhanda told a foot and mouth meeting in Harare on Wednesday that  Bulawayo cattle owners are peddling falsehoods that Government banned the movement of cattle.
He said "

"Government has never banned the movement of cattle. That must be emphasised.

"The movement of cattle has always been subject to restrictions, that is why a permit to move cattle is always sought before you move your cattle from one place to another depending on the disease outcome of that area.

"The issue is emanating from Bulawayo, where it is initiated selfishly by few individuals who want us to allow cattle at Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds, where there was last outbreak".

His comments have been viewed as tribal and is due to meet Matabeleland farmers in Bulawayo this morning.

Farmer and journalist Methuseli Moyo this morning said Zhanda has got a "stinking attitude" and wants to "distort the beef market in Matabeleland".

"Zhanda makes tribally motivated comments saying Ndebele's are selfish."

"Analyse his comments closely. My comment as a farmer and media and political analyst is that he has a malicious agenda and stinking attitude.

"His policy of closing cattle auctions in Bulawayo has no relationship with scientific facts about FMD. He is being misled by greedy and corrupt players to distort the beef market in Matabeleland so that they feast on desperate farmers who suddenly have no market for their cattle".