Staff reporter
Civic Society and Churches Joint Forum (CSCJF) has dismissed allegations of politicisation of the distribution of the relief aid donated to Cyclone Idai victims in Chipinge and Chimanimani.
Speaking at a press conference in Harare on Friday, CSCJF National Coordinator, Abigail Mpamhi said her organisation carried out an investigation into the allegations that the aid donated to Cyclone Idai victims was being distributed on political party lines.
“Our team was in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts to investigate allegations of politicisation of food aid. The team established that there was no politicisation of the distribution of food aid and segregation of any form as reported in the media,” said Mupamhi.
She said although there might be looting by rogue individuals, institutions were exonerated.
Mupamhi noted that Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) and Civic Society Organisations (CSOs) were being involved in every level of the distribution process. She said that the security services were not looting, but were instead doing a sterling job.
Mupamhi, however, recommended the establishment of trauma healing centres, psycho-social support programme and information centres for truthful dissemination of information.
The National Association of Schools Development Committees Vice President, Mr Max Mkandla, who was also in attendance, warned the media against politicians who always want to tarnish the image of government.
There have been untested allegations of looting and partisan distribution of relief material in Cyclone Idai hit areas. The law enforcement agents have been ruthless on rogue elements found stealing donations meant for cyclone victims. President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga also fired a stern warning to looters of aid relief material.
A free- lance journalist who strings for Studio 7, Sydney Saizi was on Thursday arrested after he attempted to benefit from the donations. Saizi. Apparently, Studio 7 has been at the forefront of spreading false information about the distribution of relief material.
