BULAWAYO - Scores of Zanu (PF) rural supporters who had been bussed into town for the provincial launch of Zanu (PF)s so-called anti-sanctions campaign were stranded in Bulawayo over the weekend.The supporters, who were transported in open trucks, tractors and ZUPCO buses from Umguza, Tsholotsho, Lupane and Insiza, were stranded at Stanley Square in Makokoba where the function was held.
When we left Umguza we were told that everything including food and drinks would be provided free of charge after the function. We have not eaten anything since morning. We hear the chefs have gone to eat at a five star hotel while we are starving.
We do not know if we will be able to go back to our homes because our truck has run out of fuel and nobody seems willing to assist us, said a party supporter from Insiza who only identified himself as Charity.
Another supporter said they left Lupane centre at around 6 oclock in the morning and arrived in Bulawayo around 2 oclock in the afternoon after the function had already finished.
When The Zimbabwean News crew visited the Stanley Square on Saturday evening the supporters were still stranded at the venue with some Zanu (PF) Bulawayo provincial officials making frantic efforts to organize food and transport for the affected supporters.
The problem is that there was no clear co-ordination from the governors office and the party over the roles each one was supposed play in organizing the function. The governor s office had initially pledged to take care of the participants food and
travel expenses but backtracked citing shortage of funds, said a Zanu (PF) official.
Defence Minister, Emmerson Mnangagwa was the guest of honour at the function which was largely ignored by Bulawayo residents.
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