adminRichard Muponde Gwanda Correspondent
THE Minister of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage, Cde Abednigo Ncube, has lashed out at the Matabeleland South provincial officials for raising a paltry $1,800 and two beasts for Independence Day celebrations scheduled for Monday. Cde Ncube, who is also the Minister of State for Matabeleland South, was not happy when donations were announced at the final preparatory meeting held at Gwanda’s Provincial Administrator’s boardroom yesterday.
The Minister was particularly angered by what seemed to be reluctance by businesspeople and individuals in the province to support national events. A total of $1,833 and 50 rand as well as a handful of foodstuffs were raised for the occasion.
Blanket Mine and Ingwebu Breweries donated $1,000 and 1,000 litres of opaque beer respectively. The Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services donated the beasts.
Other government departments, ministries and a few businesspeople donated about $800 and of that amount $230 came from Gwanda Municipality, Gwanda Rural District Council and the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Scheme.
“This isn’t serious. Gwanda municipality donating such a pittance when they’re getting a lot of revenue from residents. As for the RDC and Community Share ownership they should be serious too. You know the Indigenisation Act established the community share ownerships so that people benefit but if they’re taking the money to be their own it’s a problem,” said Cde Ncube.
“I’m not saying they should put millions of dollars but they should take State occasions seriously and not donate such a pittance for Independence celebrations. Some of you people, you’re holding these positions because of the sacrifices made by the gallant sons and daughters who died in the liberation struggle.”
Cde Ncube said there was a need for people to work together and defend the revolution and President Robert Mugabe. Recently, the Minister lashed out at the fundraising committee accusing it of having a tendency of stealing donations meant for State occasions.
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