MARONDERA-More than 100 war veterans, collaborators, Zanu thugs and traditional leaders, have today demonstrated here, demanding that finance minister Tendai Biti, (Pictured) must divert funds spared for new national constitution making to agriculture.Placards wielded by the rogue and crowd shy demonstrators read,” Finance Minister Tendai Biti, divert EU funds donated for the constitution, to agriculture.”
The demonstrators bused from surrounding farms, denounced the MDC for not being helpful to farmers.
“The previous Zanu PF government prioritized farmers requirements such as farm in puts. Elements in the inclusive government, who are anti- Zanu, despise farmers and have a hidden agenda. The Finance Minister has abandoned farmers,” said a war veteran who refused to be identified.
The demonstration which disrupted traffic flow in the town, was well coordinated as the demonstrators met with traditional chiefs at Governor Aenius Chigwederes office. They presented a petition to the governor.
The petition handing over was delayed for some hours as the governor wanted the Television crew to cover the event. “The message must get to the MDCs door steps. We will wait for television coverage, whatever time it comes,” said a demonstration leader identified as Mushayavanhu.
The demonstrators vowed to disrupt drafting of the new constitution if their demands are not met. They also threatened to grab in puts from Zimbabwe Farmers Union warehouses without paying.
Residents in town scoffed at the demonstrators, saying they did not deserve what they were demanding.
“Some farming fields are full of wild grass all year round. These so called farmers have let the country down. No one should give in to their demands. They have been sponsored by government since time immemorial,” said one of the residents.
Post published in: News