Masvingo welcomes NGOs back

By The Southern Eye | Jan. 12, 2014

Masvingo has lifted a ban on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the province.

Regerai Pepukai Own Correspondent

Former provincial governor Titus Maluleke sent shock waves through the area early last year when he ordered 29 NGOs to stop operating, most of which were providing food to desperate families. He accused them of engaging in political activity.

But, the minister responsible for provincial affairs, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti — who also took a swipe at Maluleke — has announced the cancellation of the ban, arguing that the government cannot feed all the starving people in the province on its own.

“We are appealing to all NGOs, including those that were once banned, to resume operations,” Bhasikiti said.

“Some families are going for two days without having a proper meal. Anyone who banned these NGOs from operating is misguided and retrogressive.”

Villagers have welcomed the lifting of the restrictions. Thomson Manjengwa of Gutu said before the NGOs were banned, “we received foodstuffs including mealie meal, cooking oil, beans and porridge”.

Givemore Maulani of Mwenezi said aid organisations were residents’ only source of food: “We never received any food from the government during years of drought here. NGOs were the ones taking care of us.”