RAMPANT food politicisation by suspected Zanu PF activists has worsened the hunger situation amid claims that communities badly affected by drought are receiving few cups of grain not enough to see them through.
The El-Nino induced drought has left millions struggling to survive, with the government estimates showing that more than half of the population will require food aid.
Heal Zimbabwe Trust (HZT) advocacy officer, Tapiwansahe Chiriga, told NewsDay that the inadequacy of food aid in rural areas has become increasingly apparent.
“It’s really sad what is happening in the rural areas,” Chiriga said.
“We were doing our survey and monitoring on this food aid distribution programme and found out that some people are receiving cups of grain.
“The food aid reaching our communities is evidently inadequate to alleviate food insecurity in communities worst affected by the drought.”
He said the situation has been exacerbated by allegations of food politicisation by Zanu PF activists.
“Making it worse is the politicisation of food aid as ruling party local leaders in Buhera, Gokwe and Gutu, among other areas, continue to deny opposition supporters of food despite government assurances that this would not happen,” he said.
“In Chirumanzu, we recently saw reports of Zanu PF officials blocking food aid distribution simply because it had been facilitated by an opposition councillor. “We restate our earlier call for the government to ensure social welfare departments take charge working with elected officials and traditional leaders.
“In times of crisis, the government must coordinate with other aid organisations to ensure adequate food aid gets to areas and families in dire need of it.”
Zanu PF party information director Farai Marapira said the party is against the politicisation of food aid.
“Zanu PF does not distribute grain. It is distributed through the auspices of government. However, as a party we have been clear that food aid is for all Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation. And we believe this instruction from the President is what obtains,” Marapira said.
“Organisations like Heal Zimbabwe Trust are agenda-driven and anything they say should be taken with a pinch of salt. This is because he who pays the piper calls the tune. And we know the agenda of their paymasters which they are trying so hard to advance, albeit, failing dismally. Food aid is reaching all Zimbabweans who are vulnerable.”
Critics have challenged government to warn its officials, traditional leaders and Zanu PF members against politicising food aid.
A recent Zimbabwe Peace Project report documented various cases of food politicisation in violation of the right to food as enshrined under Section 77 of the constitution.
It said the victims were being discriminated against over their alleged links to the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change.