News / National
Zanu-PF flagged for partisan distribution of food, agric inputs
22 Nov 2024 at 07:10hrs | Views
A Zimbabwean election watchdog has raised serious concerns over the alleged politically motivated distribution of agricultural inputs, accusing the ruling Zanu-PF party of favoring its supporters during the ongoing lean season, exacerbated by an El Niño-induced drought.
The Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust (ZEAT) has claimed that agricultural resources, which are meant to assist all farmers during the drought period, are being allocated based on political affiliation rather than need. In an interview with NewsDay, ZEAT's executive director Ignatious Sadziwa highlighted the issue, pointing fingers at Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Misheck Mugadza as a key figure in the controversial distribution process.
Partisan Distribution Allegations
Sadziwa stated that their investigations in Manicaland revealed a pattern of agricultural inputs, labeled as "presidential support," being distributed exclusively to Zanu-PF supporters. He alleged that Mugadza, who is also the Mutasa South legislator, works closely with traditional leaders who, according to reports, are acting on behalf of the ruling party to ensure that these resources benefit only those aligned with Zanu-PF.
"Mugadza, who is the Provincial Affairs minister, collaborates closely with traditional leaders, who are reportedly acting on behalf of Zanu-PF," Sadziwa said, suggesting that the politically biased allocation of agricultural inputs is exacerbating the struggles of those who do not support the ruling party.
Minister Denies Allegations
However, Minister Mugadza denied the allegations, asserting that he was unaware of such practices. In a statement to NewsDay, Mugadza expressed his commitment to addressing any issues if they were brought to his attention. "I am not aware of such reports. If I get the reports, I will personally look into them and redress the situation," he said.
Political Discrimination in Food Aid
Meanwhile, a report from the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has further corroborated the claims of political discrimination, particularly in the distribution of government-sponsored food aid. ZPP documented 15 cases of political violations across the country, highlighting how the ruling party is allegedly using food resources as a tool to manipulate vulnerable populations.
The report indicates that political discrimination is prevalent in food aid distribution, with villagers being coerced to chant party slogans and praise political leaders before receiving rations. One notable incident occurred in Silobela's ward 23, where a resident was turned away from a distribution meeting after questioning whether the aid was politically motivated.
The ZPP report also revealed that in some areas of Manicaland, traditional leaders and politicians are colluding to hoard food aid, denying assistance to the most vulnerable citizens. These allegations coincide with Sadziwa's claims of manipulation by local political figures and traditional leaders to control access to vital resources.
Zanu-PF Responds
Zanu-PF has dismissed the allegations, with party spokesperson Farai Marapira defending the government's actions. He reiterated that the ruling party serves all Zimbabweans, regardless of political affiliation. "The party, as stated by the President, serves all Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation. It is a blatant falsehood that any true cadre of Zanu-PF would do such a heinous act," Marapira said.
He emphasized that the party is guided by President Mnangagwa's leadership, which, according to Marapira, ensures that all Zimbabweans, regardless of their political views, are served equally.
The allegations of partisan distribution of agricultural inputs and food aid highlight ongoing concerns about political manipulation in Zimbabwe, especially in the lead-up to upcoming elections. As the country grapples with the effects of the drought and food insecurity, the controversy surrounding the distribution of aid and resources underscores the growing tensions between political power and the basic needs of the people. Investigations into these claims are ongoing, with many citizens calling for transparency and fairness in the allocation of resources.
The Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust (ZEAT) has claimed that agricultural resources, which are meant to assist all farmers during the drought period, are being allocated based on political affiliation rather than need. In an interview with NewsDay, ZEAT's executive director Ignatious Sadziwa highlighted the issue, pointing fingers at Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Misheck Mugadza as a key figure in the controversial distribution process.
Partisan Distribution Allegations
Sadziwa stated that their investigations in Manicaland revealed a pattern of agricultural inputs, labeled as "presidential support," being distributed exclusively to Zanu-PF supporters. He alleged that Mugadza, who is also the Mutasa South legislator, works closely with traditional leaders who, according to reports, are acting on behalf of the ruling party to ensure that these resources benefit only those aligned with Zanu-PF.
"Mugadza, who is the Provincial Affairs minister, collaborates closely with traditional leaders, who are reportedly acting on behalf of Zanu-PF," Sadziwa said, suggesting that the politically biased allocation of agricultural inputs is exacerbating the struggles of those who do not support the ruling party.
Minister Denies Allegations
However, Minister Mugadza denied the allegations, asserting that he was unaware of such practices. In a statement to NewsDay, Mugadza expressed his commitment to addressing any issues if they were brought to his attention. "I am not aware of such reports. If I get the reports, I will personally look into them and redress the situation," he said.
Political Discrimination in Food Aid
Meanwhile, a report from the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has further corroborated the claims of political discrimination, particularly in the distribution of government-sponsored food aid. ZPP documented 15 cases of political violations across the country, highlighting how the ruling party is allegedly using food resources as a tool to manipulate vulnerable populations.
The report indicates that political discrimination is prevalent in food aid distribution, with villagers being coerced to chant party slogans and praise political leaders before receiving rations. One notable incident occurred in Silobela's ward 23, where a resident was turned away from a distribution meeting after questioning whether the aid was politically motivated.
The ZPP report also revealed that in some areas of Manicaland, traditional leaders and politicians are colluding to hoard food aid, denying assistance to the most vulnerable citizens. These allegations coincide with Sadziwa's claims of manipulation by local political figures and traditional leaders to control access to vital resources.
Zanu-PF Responds
Zanu-PF has dismissed the allegations, with party spokesperson Farai Marapira defending the government's actions. He reiterated that the ruling party serves all Zimbabweans, regardless of political affiliation. "The party, as stated by the President, serves all Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation. It is a blatant falsehood that any true cadre of Zanu-PF would do such a heinous act," Marapira said.
He emphasized that the party is guided by President Mnangagwa's leadership, which, according to Marapira, ensures that all Zimbabweans, regardless of their political views, are served equally.
The allegations of partisan distribution of agricultural inputs and food aid highlight ongoing concerns about political manipulation in Zimbabwe, especially in the lead-up to upcoming elections. As the country grapples with the effects of the drought and food insecurity, the controversy surrounding the distribution of aid and resources underscores the growing tensions between political power and the basic needs of the people. Investigations into these claims are ongoing, with many citizens calling for transparency and fairness in the allocation of resources.
Source - newsday
