Anesu Pedzisayi
The period during and after Cyclone Idai has made it possible for people to show patriotism and love for their fellow Zimbabwean, amidst a very difficult period. Words can never be enough to show the appreciation and gratitude there is, as a result of such generosity and show of humanity.
The period has shown that willingly, Zimbabweans can pull in the same direction and fight a common enemy. Surely, we are our brother’s keeper.
What has been disheartening; however, are some negative reports from detractors who only feed on fuelling divisions amongst Zimbabweans. Falsehoods and allegations are being spread that there is partisan aid distribution to the Cyclone victims. No one else is meant to benefit from these donations; except victims from Cyclone Idai.
Not only have these allegations been unfounded, but also misplaced. Efforts are being made by the opposition and pro-opposition media, to politicise food aid distribution, all in efforts to tarnish Government. Attempts are seemingly also being made to have the nation overlook the tremendous work being done on the ground to assist cyclone victims.
During his visit in Chimanimani recently, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whilst touring the affected areas, said he would not condone those found stealing from the humanitarian aid, and effectively, measures were put in place to ensure that the aid would be distributed transparently.
What is also of interest, which works to dispel such untruths, is that there are several Non-governmental organisations and Civic society organisations on the ground working together with Government departments, the Civil Protection Unit and other relevant stakeholders in making sure that aid is distributed fairly in a transparent manner. There has been no report to such effect from these stakeholders.
In some areas, reports have come through that aid has been coming in late, as these places were inaccessible. However most roads are being cleared, and with the addition of more jets on the ground, the required aid should be delivered to victims going forward.
It is unfortunate that there are some political activists who are now trying to make the current situation an arena for political blame game, so as to discredit the ZANU PF government. It has become a mandate for some to sensationalise and spread information so distorted that it ends up discouraging volunteers who are giving their time to assist those in need.
There are talks in the wind that the MDC is lobbying for SADC to have an extra-ordinary summit, meant to focus on the Cyclone Idai and its effects on Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
It would not be surprising that the opposition party, whilst trying to remain relevant in the political arena, is now trying to misrepresent what is on the ground so that it has the ear of SADC. The MDC feel that they have not received as much attention as they would want, in assisting victims more than ZANU PF. To MDC, everything is about competition and done in the eye of the camera. In this regard, they have resorted to attacking ZANU PF volunteers on the ground, arm-twisting their efforts so that a picture of partisan aid-distribution is painted.
There is need for Zimbabweans to remain united, so that those who wish to cause alarm and despondency are shamed. Journalists are encouraged to be ethical, to report factually and not sensationalise stories all in the name for selling a paper. Journalists should also desist from running misleading headlines, especially at a time when citizens are still sensitive over the catastrophe.
Patriotism does not come with political affiliation. It rather comes through the works and words that individuals do and speak, positively, for their country. What makes us Zimbabweans is stronger than what should divide us as a nation. Now is not the time to be looking for political mileage but to come together as a nation, and assist those of our own that are in need. As a nation, together we can.
