An article published in CAREs country director, Carol Sherman, says no suspension has occurred, and their programmes have been proceeding as planned.
There have been no incidents involving the CARE Gutu District office, nor any staff member harassed, threatened or assaulted by Mr Lovemore Matuke, the Zanu (PF) Masvingo provincial chairman, saod Sherman.
According to the organisations inquiries as a result of the article, it was found that no CARE staff were interviewed by any press over the allegations of suspending food distributions due to food politicisation in Gutu district.
CARE confirmed that on February 24, staff members of the organisation approached the councillor for ward 11 and the resident chief seeking permission to hold a post-distribution meeting at Jaravaza shopping centre. Permission was granted. The next day, when the CARE field officer arrived at ward 11 to conduct the meeting, the community had gathered and Matuke was already addressing the villagers on issues related to the ongoing constitution-making process.
The field officer then approached the councillor to explain that, because CARE was an apolitical organisation, it was not appropriate to proceed with the meeting at that moment.
However, the CARE staff member informed the councillor that he would instead proceed with the meeting a few days later. The CARE field officer left the venue without addressing the people.
The rescheduled meeting in Gutu took place as planned at the same venue.
CARE International in Zimbabwes humanitarian activities across Masvingo province continue without interruption from any political party or government actions. CARE continues to work in a transparent manner, with the full knowledge and support of both local and provincial government officials, said Sherman.
Post published in: Politics