Source: Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
Villagers in the rural area of Muzarabani in Mashonaland Central have to make a choice between contributing to President Robert Mugabe’s birthday, and not receiving government-sourced food aid, according to local sources.
During a meeting conducted by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) on February 18, 2017, Chibaya villagers in Muzarabani indicated it was now compulsory to contribute towards the festivities as President Mugabe turned 93 on February 21, 2017.
Chibaya villagers especially those who belong to the opposition party told ZimRights that they are being forced to pay US $ 1.00 towards the preparations for President Mugabe’s birthday.
ZimRights noted that issue is leading to politicization social warfare as during the meeting villagers reported that failure to contribute to the celebrations will result in them being not given food aid.
“Zanu PF chairman for our area Gift Masauso came to my house in the afternoon demanding for a dollar for the president’s birthday,’’ said Stanley Mukovera during the community meeting.
The elderly in Chibaya community complained as they do not have any dollar to spare given the current economic situation in Zimbabwe.
Midred Goto, 80, who lives with six grandchildren told Zimrights that she does not have any cent to offer to the president’s birthday as she is suffering from poverty.
Goto is worried after food aid came the week before and skipped her.
ZimRights has been condemning the fact that ruling party officials have been forcing people to contribute towards the celebrations at the expense of not receiving food aid if they fail to contribute.
Source: Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)