Zanu PF Accused of Diverting Food Aid

The Zanu PF party was accused of diverting food aid meant for those in need to garner support in districts facing imminent by-elections.

VOA

Zanu PF party was accused of diverting food aid meant for those in need to garner support in districts facing imminent by-elections.

These allegations arise from statements attributed to Mr Edson Chiherenge, the Zanu PF chairman in the Midlands region, as reported by the Masvingo Mirror newspaper. Mr Chiherenge reportedly claimed that despite the government's surplus of food aid, it would only be distributed to Zanu PF members.

These purported remarks were made during a party meeting held at Rugare Shopping Center in Torwood, to rally support for a Zanu PF candidate contesting Ward 3 in the upcoming by-election.

Ms Christine Sigauke will represent Zanu PF in this electoral contest, facing competition from independent candidates Mr Tinei Siziba and Mr Rangarirai Sibanda.

Similar incidents are alleged in other regions where food aid should be distributed, exacerbating the country's dire famine situation.

Efforts to clarify Mr. Chiherenge's statements have thus far been unsuccessful.

However, Mr. Farai Marapira, a senior official in Zanu PF's media office, informed the media that Mr. Chiherenge's remarks were likely misunderstood or misheard by attendees. Mr Marapira cited President Emmerson Mnangagwa's assertion that leadership in Zimbabwe transcends party affiliations, emphasizing the commitment to aid every Zimbabwean child in need.

On the contrary, Mr. Llody Damba, the MDC party's secretary overseeing information dissemination under Mr. Douglas Mwonzora's leadership, vehemently opposes the politicization of food aid.

Mr Damba pledges that his party will launch educational initiatives in rural areas and farms to inform citizens of their entitlements to food aid, emphasizing that the funds for such assistance come from taxes paid by all Zimbabwean citizens, regardless of political allegiance.