NGO under fire for turning meetings into political platforms

The organisation is funded by the Australian Embassy and operates in areas under Chief Wasi where it has drilled many boreholes.

Some villagers from the area, who spoke to Chronicle on condition of anonymity, said Habakkuk Trust had turned its meetings into political platforms to campaign for MDC formations while denouncing Zanu-PF.

Chronicle is in possession of a letter written by villagers who are accusing the leaders of the organisation of bringing programmes that are meant to twist their minds to uphold Western notions of democracy while denigrating the land reform and empowerment programmes.

“Habakkuk Trust is collaborating with other hostile civic organisations and pressure groups like Mthwakazi Liberation Front (MLF) and Plumtree Agenda, to fan tribalism and anti-Zanu-PF propaganda,” reads part of the letter.

“The Trust has teamed up with MDC leaders, who are given platforms during the meetings to denigrate Zanu-PF and influence villagers to demand devolution of power in the new constitution.”

The villagers said two weeks ago Habakkuk Trust held an advocacy meeting at St Theresa Catholic Conference Centre in Mangwe to discuss challenges facing villagers in Empandeni Ward One, Embakwe Ward 13, Maninji Ward Eight, Izimnyama Ward 12 and Izimnyama Communal Ward Two.

According to the letter, the challenges discussed included pollution by Plumtree Town of Matole Ward 12 and Nxele Ward Two dams and the impounding of cattle by the town council among other issues.

The meeting was reportedly chaired by Habakkuk Trust programmes director Mr Khumbulani Maphosa and attended by about 56 people.

Among those who attended were Bulilima West MP Moses Mzila Ndlovu, Bulilima Mangwe Senator Lutho Tapela and Mr Gifford Sibanda, who was standing in for the area MP Edward Mkhosi.

Also present was MLF representative Mr Kanyenze Ndlovu, Ms Agnes Dube from Plumtree Agenda and Habakkuk Trust deputy chief executive officer, Ms Belinda Gumbo.

The villagers alleged that the meeting was turned into a political platform for MDC leaders, who took turns to denigrate the Government and incite people to revolt against officials in the district.

According to the letter, Mr Mzila Ndlovu reportedly urged villagers to defy council by-laws and to sabotage the on-going indigenisation and economic empowerment programme.

Mr Tapela on the other hand is alleged to have stated that people who come from outside the region caused the problems affecting Matabeleland.

“Mr Tapela said he wished the communities could learn from Makuzeze Primary School where the community in partnership with MLF sent away teachers who originated from outside Matabeleland,” reads the letter.

The letter further stated that the meeting resolved that relevant ministers be invited to address the issues before 10 February 2013, failure of which the villagers would dismantle the engine at Mhlanga Dam in Ward 12 in order to force the authorities to respond.

Plumtree Town Council secretary Mr Davis Dumezweni Luthe confirmed receiving the invite for the meeting but declined to comment.

“I got the invite but I did not attend because I was at the burial of Chief Hobodo. I will not comment on that because I do not report to Habakkuk Trust. If they have issues they should write me a letter instead of calling a meeting to denigrate us before the public,” said Mr Luthe.

Contacted for comment, Mr Maphosa confirmed the meeting, but distanced his organisation from the allegations raised.

“Yes we had an advocacy meeting with stakeholders to discuss issues of pollution and concerns raised by villagers. Some of the invited people did not come. You need to talk to my CEO Mr Dumisani Nkomo on that issue,” said Mr Maphosa.

Mr Nkomo said the accusations against his organisation were “shocking” and unfounded.

“Our organisation is non-partisan. We do not follow party issues. At our meetings we invite every relevant leader without discrimination. The issues raised in those meetings will not be coming from us, but from the concerned communities,” said Mr Nkomo.

“As an organisation we do not believe in violence. We actively advocate for peaceful and non-violent means of engagement. In this case we had invited leaders from all parties including Ward Two Councillor Edward Masisa from Zanu-PF, who attended the meeting.

“Our focus is on issues and not politics. In 2009, for instance, we opposed a budget crafted by the MDC-T dominated council in Bulawayo to show that we are not against any political party.”

Mr Sibanda also confirmed attending the meeting on behalf of Mr Mkhosi, who is the Copac co-chairperson.

“I was representing Mr Mkhosi to answer questions on the constitution. That was not an MDC meeting. Habakkuk Trust only provided a platform for locals to discuss their issues with their leaders,” said Mr Sibanda.

Mr Mzila Ndlovu and Mr Tapela could not be reached for comment on their mobile phones.

Matabeleland South Governor Angeline Masuku said she has tasked the acting provincial administrator Mr Midard Khumalo to compile a report on the matter.

“On my own I have always told NGOs that work in the country that they should abide by the laws of the country. Any NGO that works against the interests of the country should have its licence cancelled. I will liaise with the provincial administrator to get a report on that issue,” she said.