Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
ZANU PF Manicaland had unique Unity Day celebrations this afternoon as Presidential Special Advisor on Investment, Dr Paul Tungwarara distributed the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund to three constituencies, and 1 000 bicycles, to grassroots leaders in Mutasa district.
He also handed US$10 000 cash donation to two unwell patients at the rally, to undergo required surgical operations, and pledged to deliver a utility vehicle to visually impaired war veterans national political commissar, Cde Joel Mureremba, for use during party activities.
He also pledged to deliver 3 000 Christmas hampers to party supporters, who braved today’s heavy rains, to witness the disbursement of the empowerment funds at Mutasa DC. The attendees will also receive top-dressing fertiliser from President Mnangagwa.
Dr Tungwarara handed over US$25 000 each to Mutasa North, Mutasa Central, and Mutasa South legislators, on behalf of President Mnangagwa, as part of his efforts to drive tangible development across the province, emphasising that the funds should serve as a unifying force, rather than a divisive factor.
“The funds are from President Mnangagwa, a visionary and caring leader, and we are not being disbursed to cause confusion, war or create factions in the province. These funds are meant to support your work as MPs, DDCs or Ministers, not to unseat or fight you,” he said, urging the recipients to utilise the funds for their intended use, warning that abuse would have dire consequences.
Dr Tungwarara said previous empowerment initiatives were abused by those in leadership positions, depriving the grassroots of critical Presidential support.
He said to curb further abuse of the fund, a committee has been set to track and audit the utilisation, and existence of projects implemented using the empowerment funds.
“Those who received but failed to account for the funds will be dealt with decisively. We don’t want the grassroots to fail to vote for the President due to frustration over funds squandered by those at the top,” said Dr Tungwarara.
Zanu PF provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza implored the province to remain united, adding that unity was crucial to the empowerment drive.
“If the province was not united, it would have missed the empowerment opportunity,” he said.
