by Grace Chekai

Norton independent Legislator Temba Mliswa has applauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa`s food distribution programme currently underway, describing the programme as non-partisan.

Speaking during the food distribution programme in Norton yesterday which was also attended by MDC-A councillors from wards 5, 8 and 14, Mliswa said the programme was a requisite measure to mitigate the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Mliswa revealed that Norton constituency received 15 tonnes of rice from President Mnangagwa.

Posting on his Twitter handle Mliswa said, “The programme is very much non-partisan as it will benefit all Constituencies regardless of their political affiliations.”

Mliswa said people living with disabilities were also benefiting from the food distribution exercise.

 “Inclusivity was also witnessed as Mai Makota who is the Chairperson for Norton support group for people living with disabilities received an apportionment of the rice on behalf of the people living with disabilities in Norton,” said Mliswa.   

The MDC councillors said that they recognised the political maturity stature presented by President Mnangagwa for donating to a constituency where his party had a minority representation in the town council.

The donations which also included mealie-meal and cooking oil, came as a relief to many households as they are currently facing food shortages due to the lockdown.

The MDC councillors castigated their fellow counterparts for lacking political maturity in recognising the efforts being made by President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa has assured the nation that no one will die of hunger and that there will be no politicisation of food hand-outs as the Government brings relief to hunger stricken citizens.

Relatedly, the Ministry of Public Service and Social Welfare has paid cushioning allowances to 197 000 people out of the targeted one million people affected by COVID-19 lockdown.