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Vincent Gono in Nkayi
THE Government will intensify its food distribution programme to identified provinces and communities that are faced with food shortages after the completion of the vulnerability assessment survey that is under way to ascertain the numbers, a Cabinet Minister has said.
In an interview on the sidelines of the installation of Chief Nkalakatha in Nkayi, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Cde July Moyo said the Government was committed to providing food aid to all communities that were stared in the face by drought due to uneven rainfall distribution.
He also urged chiefs in Matabeleland to lead by example in the Command Livestock and Command Poultry programmes that was launched recently by the Government as part of efforts to raise the living standard of its population.
He said provinces such as Matabeleland North and South, Midlands and Masvingo were among some of the areas affected by drought.
“We are aware that some of our communities did not get much owing to the scarcity of rainfall. In those communities of Matabeleland North and South, Midlands and Masvingo, the Government will continue giving food aid.
“Actually we never stopped the programme. What we are going to do is to intensify the programme as more areas are identified,” he said.
Asked on the number of people who require food aid, the Minister said he does not have the figures as the vulnerability assessment survey was not yet through.
“We will only be certain of the figures after the vulnerability assessment survey has been completed,” he said.
He underscored the need for the institution of chiefs to work with the Government to ensure the revival of the Zunde ramambo/Isiphala senkosi programme that he said was going to aid in ensuring food security especially for the elderly, the vulnerable and the orphans.
Cde Moyo installed 25 year-old Zwelani Ayanda Ndiweni as Chief Nkalakatha succeeding his father Mr Gilford Ndiweni who was a member of the National Council of Chiefs who passed on in 2014.
The new chief is a student at Midlands State University (MSU) where he is studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Local Government. His area of jurisdiction covers wards 20 and 21 with a population of over 7000 people.
The Minister encouraged the chief to work hand in glove with the Government in all matters of development impacting not only his community but the country as a whole.
“As an old age adage goes, “Alone you go fast, but together, we go far,” it is only our coordinated efforts as a whole country that can really bring the positive change that we so desire for us and for those who shall come after us,” he said.
He added that the institution of chiefs was the custodian of cultural values and urged the chiefs to continue the good work of protecting their communities’ moral values from foreign domination.
“Nguni/Ndebele is one of the officially recognised languages in Zimbabwe, and it is a vehicle that has transmitted the Ndebele culture and traditions from generations to generations and should continue as such for the benefit of posterity,” said Minister Moyo.
Cde Moyo pledged to pay the new chief’s two last semesters’ fees of $1200 expressing gratitude that the new generation of chiefs was valuing education.
The installation was attended by traditional leaders mostly from Matabeleland North, Minister of State for Matabeleland North Ambassador Cain Mathema, director responsible for traditional chiefs in the Ministry of Local Government Mr Felix Chikovo, Matabeleland North Provincial Administrator Ms Latiso Dlamini, Nkayi district administrator Ms Matilda Mlotshwa and other senior civil servants as well as people from surrounding communities.
Online Reporter