By Brighton Chiseva
MASVINGO – As the 2030 agenda continues to gather momentum, some Zanu PF Members of Parliament (MPs) who are pushing for the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule are already campaigning using the Presidential rice in case the country goes for a referendum.
Mnangagwa gave all MPs and senators four tones of rice each in December 2024 meant for distribution before Christmas but some failed to collect and deliver on time and are now abusing the scheme for political gain.
The food aid meant for genuine vulnerable communities is being distributed to loyal party members and supporters amid whispers that they should support the 2030 vision.
Sources within the ruling party said those perceived to be opposition supporters were being sidelined in the process and the recipients were openly being told that they should allow the President to continue.
When contacted for comment Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa said the rice was being distributed to everyone despite political affiliation and had nothing to do with any campaign.
He was however quick to say usually the opposition supporters do not attend when they hear that they have been called by Zanu PF MPs or councilors.
“The rice is being distributed to anyone without looking at the party one supports. It came from the President and everyone can benefit. The MPs call people to different centers and when they get there, they share amongst everyone who will be there. However, we have a challenge of opposition members who refuse to come when they are called especially by Zanu PF MPs or councilors only to complain after missing out,” said Mavhenyengwa.
Mavhenyengwa also confirmed distributing to party leadership which he said were also people who needed to benefit like anyone else as they work for the party without salaries.n
“Yes I gave the party employees who are just like any other citizen, they deserve to benefit. They work for the party without salaries so they are vulnerable just like anybody else. I also intent to give to civil servants because they are also vulnerable and we try as much as possible to make sure that everyone benefits,” said Mavhenyengwa.
Sources however said the distribution was done through party structures and the chairpersons will be in charge to make sure that perceived opposition members do not benefit.
“They call people using their Zanu PF structures so it’s difficult for opposition and those perceived to be opposition supporters. They also claim the rice came from Zanu PF president, therefore should benefit Zanu PF supporters only and we wonder if he is not also the President of Zimbabwe,” said the source.
Zanu PF’s Bikita South legislator Energy Mutodi reportedly moved a motion to extend the presidential term and was allegedly seconded by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s Charles Moyo.
