By Takudzwa Mashumba
Zimbabwe Information and Media minister Jonathan Moyo together with his Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs minister Mathema failed to appear at the World Food Day Commemorations which were held at the Tshongokwe Irrigation Scheme in a move suspected to be a sabotage to the NGOs celebrations.
Moyo who was supposed to be the guest of honour while Mathema was to give opening remarks said they fail to attend the meeting because they were at the politburo meeting but many have dismissed their excuses as lies and said they did not attend because of their party’s policy on NGOs.
Moyo dismissed the claims by apologising for not being at the function and expressed disappointment over Chitsiko’s hastily prepared speech saying he had prepared a speech that was supposed to have been read on his behalf at the function.
Minister Moyo also said that he couldn’t afford to miss the politburo meeting saying he had to present the Zanu PF Blue Print (Zimbabwe’s agenda to Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation).
Mathema was however represented by the Matabeleland North Provincial Administrator, Lathiso Dlamini who said Mathema was summoned to Harare by the president.
“The minister would have loved to be here and celebrate with you all but when he woke up in the morning he was called to Harare by President Mugabe,” said Dlamini.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Mechanization and Irrigation Development Ringson Chitsiko was made the guest of honour and said the government has launched an inputs assistance program that is going to assist farmers this season.
“The government has launched an inputs assistance scheme for both crop and livestock farmers,” said Chitsiko.
FAO representative to Zimbabwe David Phiri said, his organization in collaboration with the government and other stakeholders made a sizable contribution in the reduction of hunger and improved nutrition.
“Our organization has signed a agreement of $10 million for livestock drought mitigation program in Matabeleland for up to next year,” say Phiri.
World Food program country director Sory Ouane said his organization would this year promote local markets by buying locally produced crops for $1million and alleviates food shortages to affected areas.
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