A GROUP of 12 placard-waving Zanu PF members unsuccessfully tried to disrupt a meeting held between United States Ambassador Bruce Wharton and members of Zubo in Sikalenge village in Binga last Thursday.
OWN CORRESPONDENT
The group sang a Tonga song and after three minutes of singing and dancing their leader said they wanted to be present at every meeting the American ambassador had in Binga.
They demanded that the US do more for Zimbabwe than what they described as “handouts” and an end to sanctions.
“Ambassador Wharton,” one of the demonstrators, identified as, Elias Sibanda, said, “we will do this at the next stop and the next stop and the next one.”
However, members of Zubo, a women’s association, were unmoved by the singing of the group and insisted the meeting go ahead.
Wharton apologised for the disruption and told the women he was used to this and respected the protestors’ right to freedom of expression.
In an interview, the MP of the area, Prince Sibanda, said the demonstration was organised by a group of Zanu PF youths who wanted to showcase their existence to their leaders.
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“Since independence, the government has been neglecting Binga and the US government has always been available to cover the gaps and we appreciate their assistance in our district,” he said.
Sibanda said three members of the group that demonstrated had since gone back to the community to apologise.
Wharton praised the Binga Zubo women for the work they were doing.
“My country is powerful in the world, but here in Binga you are powerful, your destiny is in your hands,” he said, urging the women to explore online marketing as another method of increasing sales of their products.
“We can support the work that you do and what I have seen has impressed me.
“With your leadership, you have proven the power of community action, the power of people working together, it is a very impressive story and you should be very proud of the work you have done.
“I will commit to you that we will continue to look for ways to support you to enable you to further develop and provide for your community.”
The women in Sikalenge ward showcased their works including basket weaving, kapenta fishing and rosella farming.
Through Zubo, women in Binga have initiated several livelihood interventions that have seen hundreds of local households and selected children benefiting in different ways.
The women established a fruit drink making project, where they use local knowledge to brew a variety of flavours from the sweet and nutritious baobab and amarula fruits that are abundant in the district.
Kelesia Munsaka, a member of Zubo said: “I am now able to buy stationery for my children, pay their school fees, besides just buying food and decent clothing for my family.
“Life used to be very hard, but now the future looks bright.”
