By Taurai Mazwi
Netizens have castigated the Public Affairs Desk Officer at the European Delegation to Zimbabwe, Doro Grebe, for celebrating the announcement of Zimbabwe’s first confirmed Covid19 case.
Grebe tweeted her glee on her twitter handle before deleting same after receiving a volley of reprimands from citizens.
“Told ya: Boom. First (confirmed) Covid-19 case in Zimbabwe is a 38year old male in Victoria Falls. If it is chatter that I am hearing, then Boom,” tweeted Grebe.
The Harare Sun publication responded with shock: “Realising she had miscalculated the speed at which horses were going to bolt, Grebe hurriedly posted a tweet saying, “Sorry if anyone felt offended, it was not my intent.” The comments under it seem to suggest a Zimbabwean twitter public totally disaffected with her apology.”
Desire Chicante said, “In her celebratory message, she tagged Advocate Mahere, hours after speculations that Mahere is worried that Covid19 has not reached Zimbabwe, the very evidence that all members of the cult are excited.”
Speaking to this publication, Political Analyst George Chipunza highlighted that what Grebe did was unprofessional and undiplomatic considering her post.
“For someone representing the EU, this was bad and uncalled for. Her statement tarnishes the image of EU. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is in the process of re-engaging with the EU and here she comes in giving the impression that EU finds joy in the suffering of an African country. What she said is quite unprofessional and undiplomatic.”
Government has so far recorded two confirmed cases of the Covid-19 and is working on taking corrective measures to contain the spread of the virus. Already learning institutions will be closed tomorrow. The President has also appealed to all Zimbabweans to restrict their movements.
Citizens are also being encouraged to practise good personal hygiene, and avoid gatherings. Government has also directed local authorities to increase potable water supply, drill additional boreholes and decongest informal and formal markets.
