ZDF trucks assist in food distribution

Nqobile Tshili

Bulawayo Bureau

THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has provided trucks to assist in transporting food relief to different parts of the country and its officers are also assisting in loading and offloading the trucks. 

This initiative is part of the ZDF’s civil-military relations, highlighting its role in supporting humanitarian efforts especially during peace times.

The country is experiencing probably one of the worst droughts since independence due to the El Nino phenomenon and this has left more than 7,7 million citizens food insecure.  

President Mnangagwa declared the drought a state of disaster and the Government is targeting to mobilise at least US$2,2 billion to fund the food relief programme. Government has started mealie-meal and grain distribution to food-insecure households across the country under its drought relief programme, and each person is receiving 22,5 kg after every three months.

In a statement yesterday, Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Director for Army Relations, Colonel Alphios Makotore, said in partnering with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare in the transportation of grain, the army wanted to ensure, as promised by President Mnangagwa, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF, that no one dies of hunger.

“Last year’s farming season was affected by poor rainfall and His Excellency, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa declared this year’s drought a state of disaster. 

“The Government embarked on a food distribution exercise to combat the effects of drought,” said Col Makotore.

He said the exercise is meant to prioritise the worst affected and remote areas across the eight rural provinces hence the army decided to assist with trucks and manpower.

“Providing military assistance to civil ministries is one of the roles of the ZDF, like what it is doing to assist the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare in transporting the grain under the Government’s food distribution programme.” 

Col Makotore said the ZNA has since deployed trucks to transport grain to Nkayi in Matabeleland North as well as Zaka in Masvingo.

“On June 29, 2024, the Zimbabwe National Army deployed two 30-tonne trucks and personnel to help the ongoing exercise. One of the trucks deployed in Matabeleland North Province collected grain from Kwekwe Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to Nkayi.” 

Col Makotore said the truck deployed to Masvingo province collected grain from Nyika GMB to Zaka. 

“The ZNA is looking forward to providing more trucks to ease the distribution process, especially in remote areas throughout the country,” he said.

Matabeleland North Provincial Social Development Officer, Mr Sicelo Nyathi, commended the army for assisting in the distribution of grain.

“We are grateful for the support we are getting from the Zimbabwe National Army and the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) in our efforts to distribute grain to communities. 

“Their assistance has enabled us to reach remote areas and ensure grain is delivered close to the people,”                                                           he said.