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Starving in silence: The plight of rural Mat’land communities

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In the scorching rural outskirts of Victoria Falls, a heartbreaking encounter at the Ndlovu turn-off bus stop revealed the harsh reality of Zimbabwe’s deepening food insecurity crisis.

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The country’s Constitution (2013) guarantees every person the right to food and water (Section 77(a), but the harsh reality on the ground tells a different story.

A frail 70-year-old man from Chisuma, struggling to speak and walk due to hunger, exposed the dire situation faced by many in Matabeleland North province.

 

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Jonathan Sibanda’s story is a stark representation of the devastating impact of drought and El Niño effects on vulnerable communities in Hwange and beyond.

With his wife ailing and two orphaned grandchildren to care for, he embarked on a desperate journey to the Social Welfare headquarters in Hwange, seeking assistance.

“I am going to the Social Welfare offices in Hwange to plead for help,” he said as he waited for a ride to embark on a 70-kilometer journey to the offices on Monday.

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“The orphans I am taking care of are in grades five and seven; they are mine because one was my late son’s, and the other was my daughter’s.

“At home, there is nothing. I have been trying to ask my neighbors where I can work to clear fields and dig trenches in exchange for mealie-meal, but they are also getting tired of my pleas.”

For the day, Sibanda says they eat porridge in the morning, often without nutritional value or at least sugar, and wait for the next day or evening if there is any mealie-meal.

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“We eat porridge every day, but I am always sick because sometimes we sleep without food.

“I am on antiretroviral therapy, which requires me to take four tablets every evening, but it’s hard because I even struggle to do some piece jobs because my legs, arms, and back ache,” he said as he tried to balance with his wooden stick.

Daina Maseko (70) from Hwange is also appealing for food aid as she struggles with starvation. She’s alone, on antiretroviral drugs and has a bone illness.

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Daina Maseko

“As an elderly person living with HIV and a bone illness, I’m finding it hard to cope with the devastating effects of the drought,”she says.

But it’s not just me, I worry about the children and pregnant womne in my community who are also going hungry. They’re the future of our nation, and it’s heartbreaking to see them suffering like this. Children are fainting in school, their parents struggling to feed them… It’s a desperate situation.”

In June, at Chimbombo Primary School, a nine-year-old girl fainted due to starvation.

Her grandmother, Elitha Dube, says the incident happened on her way from school as they had spent two nights without food.

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The Sadc Gender Protocol, a regional instrument that aims to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Southern Africa, in its framework for member in Article 16: sets out the right to food security and nutrition

“Women have the right to food security and nutrition. States shall ensure that women have equal access to food and nutrition, and shall take measures to ensure that women are not denied access to food and nutrition…”

However, Hwange district medical officer,  Fungai Musimani’s recent revelation of a rising number of malnutrition cases in the district shows a different realistic picture.

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Dr Fungai Musinami

She says young children, pregnant and lactating women, elderly people, and people with disabilities top the list of vulnerable individuals in the district and the province at large.

“I have treated elderly women with kwashiorkor, and in general, people lack foods with minerals, iron, and vitamins. The situation is dire throughout the region.”

Area councilor Given Moyo echoed similar concerns, highlighting the government’s failure to provide adequate food aid to struggling rural communities.

“Everyone is hungry in this community, and we all need food,” he said.

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“When the Social Welfare programs come, people lack empathy due to starvation, so most vulnerable individuals end up being left out because they don’t get nominated.

“As you see this man here (Sibanda), I advised him to go to the offices because we report these pleas to them, but the reaction shows that they think these issues are fabricated.

“I have a long list of people that I have forwarded to the offices including the widows, unemployed people, the elderly, the list is endless.”

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Alarming mid-term statistics from Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube paint a grim picture: 520 524 people in Matabeleland North province struggle to access basic nutrition.

The region, battered by severe El Niño effects, is in dire need of assistance.

While the government has distributed 1 839.2 metric tonnes of grain, this represents a mere 16% of the required 11 711.8 metric tonnes needed to sustain the population for three months.

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Matabeleland North province minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo says response will be crucial in mitigating this disaster.

“It is not enough, but we now have Isiphala seNkosi program to add into the social welfare programs. We also have donor community also joining us, but at this point, we understand their plight and it is crucial that we uplift these communities.”Moyo notes.

As the food insecurity crisis deepens in the country, this year researchers say  approximately  seven million people’s lives of vulnerable communities hang in the balance.

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In the community

Matabeleland North launches $250K fundraising campaign against drug abuse

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

In a decisive move to address the escalating problem of drug and substance abuse, the government of has initiated a fundraising campaign in Matabeleland North Province with a target of $250 000.

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The event will take place today at the Edmund Davis Hall in Hwange, focusing on raising funds and awareness to support youth rehabilitation efforts in the region.

Richard Moyo, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North, is spearheading this initiative.

In a recent interview with VicFallsLive, he emphasized the critical need for this campaign, stating, “The rise in drug and substance abuse among our youth is a major concern. We have seen children lose their lives and future because of addiction. This fundraising effort is essential to provide them with the help they need.”

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Moyo addressed the need for government intervention, explaining that the cabinet committee on drug and substance abuse has taken significant steps to confront this crisis. “The committee has appointed chairpersons in each of the ten provinces to coordinate efforts against substance abuse. We must act now before the problem escalates further,” he added.

The background of drug abuse in Zimbabwe indicates a troubling pattern. Research shows a significant rise in substance use, particularly among unemployed youth and school dropouts. Moyo noted, “Many of our children are resorting to these substances as a way to cope with their circumstances. They often end up living on the streets, where they are exposed to even harsher realities. We want them to be occupied, and we will build rehab centers and hire people who will help them to quit the addiction because this is more common amongst the 2K children.”

Highlighting the importance of community involvement, Moyo called on local businesses and organizations to support the campaign. “We are appealing to all companies, particularly hotels and businesses in our province, to join us in this fight. Together, we can create a supportive environment for our children. Our president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, launched a nationwide initiative two months ago, and now, it’s time for Matabeleland North to take action,” he said.

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Moyo further elaborated on the fundraising goal, stating that the $250 000 will be directed towards establishing rehabilitation centers and hiring experienced therapists. “These facilities will offer a second chance to those battling addiction. Our youth deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” he emphasized.

Despite acknowledging that Matabeleland North’s drug problem may not be as severe as in other provinces, Moyo maintained that the issue is still significant, particularly in urban areas. “Here, we see children turning to drugs like marijuana, often sold by those who exploit their vulnerability. We must protect our children and provide them with the support they need to thrive,” he concluded.

The community’s response to this fundraising campaign will be pivotal in shaping a positive future for the youth of Matabeleland North, offering hope and resources for recovery and reintegration into society.

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Hwange

Government launches fundraising campaign to combat drug and substance abuse in Mat North

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to tackle the growing problem of drug and substance abuse, the  government has launched a fundraising campaign in Matabeleland North Province.

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The event, scheduled to take place on Friday, at the Edmund Davis Hall in Hwange, aims to raise awareness and funds to support initiatives combating drug and substance abuse in the region.

Edgar Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, is expected to be the guest of honour at the event, while Richard Moyo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Matabeleland North, will host the gathering.

Background: Zimbabwe’s Growing Drug Abuse Epidemic

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Zimbabwe is grappling with a growing drug abuse epidemic, particularly among its youth. According to recent reports, more than 43% of adolescents and young adults used drugs in 2017, increasing to nearly 45% in 2018 and over 57% by 2019.

The most commonly abused drugs in Zimbabwe include codeine, methamphetamine (crystal meth), glue, bronclee, solvents, chlorpromazine, mangemba, cane spirit, cocaine, and cannabis/marijuana.

Globally, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that 3.5% to 5.7% of persons between the ages of 15 and 64, or between 155 and 250 million people, used illicit drugs at least once in 2013. This number increased to 296 million in 2023, representing a 23% global increase in people using illicit drugs.

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In Zimbabwe, the problem is compounded by acute socio-economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and mental health issues. The ease of access to drugs and porous borders also contribute to the growing problem, researchers note.

 

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In the community

Chief Mvutu installation underway

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Hwange District is bracing for a historic event today as Chief Mvutu is officially installed as the new substantive chief.

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The installation ceremony, which comes eleven years after the passing of Silibaziso Mlotshwa’s father in 2014, is featuring speeches, entertainment, and traditional greetings.

According to the programme, the ceremony will commence with the arrival of invited guests, followed by the arrival of distinguished guests.

The event will feature speeches by various dignitaries, including Richard Moyo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, and Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo, President of the National Council of Chiefs.

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Other highlights of the ceremony include the investiture of Chief Mvutu, the paying of allegiance by village heads, and the presentation of gifts.

The installation ceremony marks a significant milestone in the district’s history, bringing to an end a protracted dispute over the chieftainship.

The event is expected to attract dignitaries, community leaders, and residents from across the district.

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