MDC-T supporters in Shurugwi are crying foul after they were denied rice donated by China on Thursday with only villagers linked to Zanu PF benefiting from the hand-outs.
BY IVAN NDLOVU
Some opposition supporters in Shurugwi South Ward 5 told Southern Eye that only carefully selected Zanu PF supporters received the donated rice at Mfiri business centre.
Freddy Makobere, a losing MDC-T councillor for the area, said he witnessed many opposition supporters being denied a share of the food hand-outs.
“MDC-T members were being denied the rice and were sent away. They were told that the food (rice) was only for Zanu PF members,” Makobere alleged.
“I saw more than 10 people being chased away from the venue and I heard some people had their names cancelled off the list.”
However, Zanu-PF Ward 5 councillor Jennifer Sibanda denied the allegations, saying the rice was distributed equally to all those present.
“We received three tonnes of rice and it was shared among approximately 700 families. No one was sent away, nothing like that happened yesterday (Thursday),” Sibanda said.
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But MDC-T Midlands South provincial spokesperson Munyaradzi Mutandavari said he had also received complaints that opposition supporters were excluded.
“Our members were denied the rice. They were told that it was a token of appreciation from MP Tapiwanashe Matangaidze, but we believe upon swearing, one takes charge over the whole area and should equally consider their needs,” Mutandavari said.
He said there were some villagers who were not part of MDC-T structures who were also denied the rice.
In March, Zimbabwe reportedly received 5 400 tonnes of rice worth more than $8 million from China to help alleviate food shortages due to a poor farming season. The rice was distributed at Zanu PF rallies last month when the country held 16 parliamentary by-elections to replace MPs fired by the MDC-T.
