By Wezhira Munya
In a bid to address the severe hunger crisis brought about by the El Niño-induced drought and years of agricultural neglect by the ruling Zanu PF party, advocate Moses Mavhaire, a prominent member of President Nelson Chamisa’s in Masvingo Central, took it upon himself to donate food to the rural citizens of ward 23 today, June 9th, 2024.
This act of generosity follows a similar initiative last month when advocate Mavhaire donated mealie meal to another ward within Masvingo Central. His commitment to provide assistance extends to all wards in the region.
President Chamisa has been vocal in his call for his parliamentary and councillor candidates from the 23 August 2023 harmonized elections, as well as those who emerged victorious despite allegations of election rigging by Zanu PF, to continue serving the citizens diligently.
Fambidzanai Mhukairo, a resident of ward 23 in Masvingo Central, expressed his gratitude at the drought mitigation food donation program organized by Moses Mavhaire at the Rupike Business Centre. Mhukairo remarked, “The 2023 elections revealed two distinct types of Members of Parliament – one who truly represents the people, and one who only serves the interests of the ruling party.”
Advocate Mavhaire, who ran as the House of Assembly Candidate for Masvingo Central under President Chamisa’s former Citizens Coalition for Change party last year, has been consistently donating large quantities of mealie meal to local residents. Each family received 20kg of this essential staple. Notably, Mavhaire’s donations are not limited to individuals who support the Chamisa camp; citizens from all political affiliations, including Zanu PF, have benefited from his generosity. Former Masvingo Central Member of Parliament, honorable Jeffrey Chitando, who secured victory under the late President Morgan Richard Tsvangirai’s leadership, emphasized this point.
Advocate Mavhaire himself stated, “When it comes to providing food and other donations, I do not discriminate. These individuals are my relatives, friends, and community members. We stand together, and no one should suffer from hunger.”
In contrast, the current Zanu PF Member of Parliament for Masvingo Central, Edson Zvobgo Junior, has been criticized for neglecting his constituency since winning the 2023 elections by a slim margin against advocate Mavhaire. Zanu PF’s distribution of food in Masvingo Central has been perceived as favoring their own party supporters, disregarding the needs of pro-Chamisa citizens.
Samson Muzembi, a resident of Rupike in Ward 23, expressed his concerns, stating, “Mavhaire is not only providing drought relief but also supporting churches, disabled individuals, community gardens, and road maintenance. This raises questions about whether the right Member of Parliament was elected.”
Masline Chikurira, the CCC Ward 23 candidate for local government in the August 23rd elections, chimed in, “Hunger knows no boundaries! Everyone who meets the criteria should receive food. Denying someone food is equivalent to letting innocent children perish.” The crowd responded with a resounding applause.
Advocate Mavhaire’s unwavering dedication to alleviating hunger and supporting various sectors within the community has undoubtedly endeared him to many, prompting reflection on the choice made during the 2023 elections in Masvingo Central.
