“They don’t care. That is the biggest tragedy that we have
as country, and our political leaders do not care about the welfare of our
people,” analyst Ibbo Mandaza said. “In the past 10 years, we have had this economic crisis, but
this has not stopped Zanu PF from holding a big bash, bigger each passing year.
It’s an insult to the people of Masvingo, who are suffering, but it does not
stop Zanu PF from partying in the sea of poverty.”Another analyst Alexander Rusero said:
“There is nothing
wrong in celebrating the birthday of a leader or even anyone because life is
precious. But what is important is the aspect of priority. What is number one
priority list of Zanu PF? Is it to wine and dine in these trying times or is it
to ensure human security through providence of political goods such as food?
It’s ironic actually that the banquet is going to be held in Masvingo, one of
the most starving provinces of the country.”
Rusero added: “But who knows, maybe President Mugabe will
spring a surprise and channel some of the proceeds towards alleviating hunger
and starvation in Masvingo. It’s too early to judge and pre-empt. Mugabe is a
man of surprises.”
The leaders have challenged President Mugabe to donate
the money raised for his birthday party to help source food for
the starving Zimbabweans. Zimbabwe is reportedly facing widespread
food shortages, with the situation said to be critical in the country’s rural
areas, following a particularly harsh dry season.
According to the budgeting committee in charge, the birthday
celebrations were expected to cost $770 000 a figure big enough to import large
quantities of maize to feed thousands of starving villagers in several parts of
the country who were bearing the brunt of this year’s El-Nino-induced drought. The host province
Masvingo has, been tasked to
raise $100 000 for Mugabe’s birthday bash despite facing acute food shortages,
where most villagers were reportedly surviving on wild fruit, while over 5 000
cattle have succumbed to drought.
Zanu PF last year spent over $1 million in food, transport
and accommodation for its delegates in Victoria Falls, with farmers in
Matabeleland North province donating cattle and wildlife, among other goodies,
to pamper the veteran politician, who is seeking to extend his term of office
by another five years in 2018.
According to the 2015 Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (supported by government, UN, donors and NGOs), an estimated 1,5 million people would require food aid in the first three months of this year.
Social Media
reactions
Watanga : How
ironic that $800K is going to be blown next to drought ravaged Chivi District
and Nemamwa village just outside the Zimbabwe ruins walls. Idyai tione the
privileged of the society….
Chasura : If
Zanu pf can fundraise 800k for mugabe’s birthday why can’t they fundraise for
noble things i.e completion of Tokwe Mukosi. ZANU pf inombova nevanhu vane
pfungwa dzakaita sei chaizvo. Nhai nehanda nyakasikana kusvika riniko mazanu
achiramba achiuraya nyika .
Newako : Why
can’t they raise such monies for worthy causes – e.g. replacing dilapidated
equipment for hospitals or just buy food for starving people.
This kind of money can do so much instead of celebrating a birthday for someone who with all due respect should no longer be president because he is just too old for the job.
This kind of money can do so much instead of celebrating a birthday for someone who with all due respect should no longer be president because he is just too old for the job.
True
Patrotic Zimbabwean : What is wrong with Zimbabweans celebrating
their leader who has turned 92 years old is this not a noble milestone to
celebrate,of cause it will cost money this are celebrations even you the
opposition celebrate your leaders so what is wrong with ZANU PF CELEBRATING
Mugabe who has being blessed with long life.You hate him that even one IDIOT
thinks Trump will be the answer to end Mugabe.For your information Mugabe is
God given to rule Zimbabwe for life his Government has already put in plans to
import over 230 000 tonnes from neighbouring Zambia we patrotic Zimbabweans
will not lose sleep over you cry babies tiri kunodya mombe nemazai kuMasvingo.
Abbie: True
patriot, of course there’s nothing wrong with Zanu p.f. confirming who they
are; masters at celebrating failure. This is the world’s most incompetent party
led by the world’s oldest president after all. It’s only fair that the world
never forgets that this party steals elections and therefore it is very much ok
to be callous towards hungry people who didn’t vote for them.
Mentalist: You
are so stupid pal, how can u be so excited over food. U must be able to afford
and eat that food at your place not at Mugabe’s bash. You are a moron pal