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Nick Mangwana
Government Up Close

Zimbabwe, like a number of Southern African countries, is in the grip of an El Nino -induced drought.

His Excellency, President Mnangagwa’s Government has put in place a number of measures to mitigate the effects of this drought.

These interventions have been unpacked in previous instalments and that is not our focus today.

Today, we are appealing to the human side of everyone. But before doing that, let us look at what has been put in place for the people.

President Mnangagwa took proactive measures to protect the vulnerable during the El Niño-induced drought in Zimbabwe.

He declared a State of Disaster quite early on, recognising the severity of the drought’s impact on food security, nutrition, health, and livelihoods.

To mitigate the effects of the drought, Government has since implemented an anticipatory action plan, which includes measures to strengthen food security and improve water access through the drilling of boreholes, to ensure that this devastating drought would not claim a single life of anyone residing in this country.

His foresight and forward thinking is first seen in having a Drought Insurance Policy.

This decision to embrace the Africa Risk Capacity (ARC) Sovereign Drought Insurance Policy has proven to be a shrewd and forward-thinking move.

The innovative policy has provided financial protection against drought-related losses, enabling the Government to swiftly respond to emergencies and support affected communities. We have been paying annual premiums, so the country can secure coverage for potential drought losses, ensuring timely access to funds when needed.

This strategic decision has already paid off northwards of US$30 million which has helped to mitigate the economic and social impact the current El Niño-induced drought.

The ARC policy has also enhanced Zimbabwe’s disaster risk management capabilities, promoting resilience and adaptive capacity.

This proactive approach has been praised by international organisations and development partners, showcasing Zimbabwe’s commitment to prioritising the well-being of its citizens and ensuring food security.

Secondly, coming out of the blocks quickly to declare a State of Disaster enabled Government to mobilise resources and international support for a swift response.

International goodwill has been evident with aid coming from as far afield as China, Belarus and the UN agencies.

Closer to home support has been coming from friends in East Africa such as Kenya, Rwanda and many others. The UN coordinated Drought Flash Appeal for Zimbabwe brought together over 60 organisations and the response has been quite overwhelming.

A cogent plan was put in place, not only to raise the necessary resources but for systematic distribution of the food and help prioritising those who need it the most. This is making a difference on the ground.

Zimbabwe’s own food assistance programmes are providing crucial support to food-insecure households, prioritising vulnerable groups.

We are now in the second phase of the blitz grain gistribution and the stipulated timelines are being met.

In the Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala seNkosi programme, all chiefs nationwide have been allocated rations to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in their communities while they await their monthly allocations.

Meanwhile, beneficiary registration for the urban cash for cereal scheme is ongoing and distribution modalities are being finalised.

School children are not being left out as the emergency school feeding programme commenced well with learners being provided with hot meals.

These measures demonstrate President Mnangagwa’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable and ensuring the well-being of all Zimbabweans during this challenging time.

When the President declared  the devastating drought a State of Disaster in April this year, he promised that “top of our priority is securing food for all Zimbabweans. No Zimbabwean must succumb to or die from hunger. Adequate resources will therefore, be mobilised and re-directed towards national food security, including through supplementary grain.”

Today, we are disturbed that as the nation grapples with the effects of the drought, the are some in our midst who have found it opportune to abuse the nobly intended systems put in place to protect the vulnerable for their selfish ends.

It is unconscionable that some individuals and businesses are exploiting the desperation of those struggling to access this basic need.

The grain distribution programme, intended to alleviate hunger and support vulnerable communities, has become a lucrative opportunity for some unscrupulous profiteers.

The programme is being led by the Department of Social Development, supported by some partners. There have been some reports of cases of abuse.

A stern warning goes to those who are so unashamedly going against the President and Government’s express wishes.

Some unscrupulous and unabashed people are seeking to turn the drought-induced food challenges that some people are facing, into profit making schemes.

Reports of some individuals being arrested for stealing grain intended for drought relief make for infuriating reading.

In July, six people, including two police officers, were arrested in Masvingo for allegedly stealing 8.5 tonnes of maize meant for drought relief.

In the same month, two Mutasa Rural District councillors were accused of diverting food aid meant for villagers.

Other cases have also been reported across the country, with some local leaders being accused of making people pay US$2 for “transport” of grain and denying those who would not have paid.

Then there is the elephant in the room; political patronage! We will not shy away from pointing out that there is that fringe minority that abuse the drought relief programmes for political gain.

Regardless of which side of the political divide you are on, please know that you are on your own.

When President Mnangagwa said that, “We are leaving no one and no place behind,” he meant exactly that.

There is no caveat or proviso in that mantra. No one means no one.

Political affiliation does not come into the equation. Everyone eligible should be given food. President Mnangagwa is the President for all Zimbabweans, those who voted for him and those that voted otherwise.

He is the President of ZANU PF strongholds and the President for areas which claim to be opposition strongholds. His Government does not discriminate citizens on whatever basis. Everyone should take heed.

The discrimination of beneficiaries of Government’s safety nets on political grounds undermines the President’s credentials as a nation builder and erodes the integrity of his efforts to leave no one behind.

No politician should ever hijack these noble initiatives for narrow self-serving purposes.

Those who divert drought relief food for political ends or whatever intent for that matter are on their own.

On that one, we are not in it together. Those who do it are fostering corruption and eroding trust in the President.

When the President said, “No one will die of hunger” he meant all who call Zimbabwe their home and live in it.

Do you not know that, if you deprive a member of the opposition food and they die of hunger, you make the President a liar?

Fortunately, this problem is not prevalent. There may be one or two members of the lunatic fringe that do not get it. They should just be treated as criminals of no known totem.

It was reassuring to hear the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, July Moyo, telling stakeholders at the African Risk Capacity insurance payout that, “every day we are catching social workers and members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police stealing food for this scheme. We are strengthening the inspection system to eradicate pilferage by engaging other State agents.”

The question one is drawn to ask is: What has happened to our spirit ofUbuntu as a people? Let us remind each other that the Ubuntu refrain says, “I am because we are”.

In other words, in the context of the devastating drought we should be saying, we are in this together. This is the time when the community is supposed to pull together and make sure the vulnerable are protected and their well-being made a priority.

We urge everyone involved in the grain distribution programme to prioritise humanity over greed.

The drought has already shattered livelihoods and claimed livestock, and crops. Let us not allow it to claim our moral compass as well.

It is on all of us to ensure that children, pregnant women, and the elderly are protected.

This applies to the entrepreneur who is fortunate enough to be in a position to import grain on behalf of all of us. If you seek to profiteer, then you are exacerbating hunger.

We are not saying businesspersons should not make a profit during a drought season.

There is a difference between making a profit and profiteering. While making a profit is a legitimate and essential goal for businesses, profiteering is something else, particularly when it unconscionably crosses ethical boundaries.

Profiteering exploits vulnerable situations, such as this drought to unfairly inflate prices, manipulate markets, or deceive consumers.

This exploitative approach prioritises short-term gains over long-term sustainability and social responsibility. This causes harm to individuals and our communities. May everyone please remember; we are in this together.

Let me conclude by saying, the impact of the drought serves as a stark reminder that our unity and collective resilience is the greatest defence against anything thrown at us, be it by nature or other forces.

The coming agricultural season is highly promising. As we navigate the current food insecurity challenges, let us draw strength from our shared humanity and commitment to one another.

Together, we can mitigate the effects of this drought and ensure food security.

As we stand united against this environmental challenge, let us reaffirm our interconnectedness and recognise that, indeed, we are all in this together – our fate, our life future, and our survival are inextricably linked.