Zanu (PF) declares war on middlemen

One can safely move about with a cobra in his pocket, but the moment he steps on it he would get bitten. We are like a cobra which has been provoked by farm produce middlemen at the markets. Our patience has run out and the honeymoon is over for middlemen who reaped where they did not sow at the expense of poor farmers, Mudarikwa told farmers at Nyaguwe-Nyadire Region Agriculture Show at the weekend.

Mudarikwa, who wielded a wooden toy AK 47 rifle at the show and shouted: We are preparing for war, also warned organizers of agriculture events not to exploit farmers. Organizers of farming showcases such as Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU), Agriculture Extension Service (AREX) and others should not take farmers for granted. It is a mockery to gather farmers at agriculture shows for weeks on end only to reward a few winners with prizes as little as a kitchen plate. Such unscrupulous business practices should end, he said.

Mudarikwa took a swipe at Zanu (PF) partisan politics which saw traditional leadership and elected officials exclusively benefiting from farm input schemes. He said well positioned and connected people should desist from discriminating against the poor. It is disturbing to learn that whenever farm equipment and inputs were availed, people in influential positions such as councilors and others would benefit at the expense of ordinary members of the community. This trend should be stopped.

Traditional leaders present could be seen growing restless as Mudarikwa addressed the gathering. Chiefs and Headmen are still the major beneficiaries of Zanu (PF) patronage. The Agriculture Show was the first of its kind to be held in Murewa. Winning farmers were delighted with prizes such as scotch carts, ploughs, seed and fertilizer. Each participant was given 25 kilograms of salt as appreciation for their participation.

Zanu (PF) turned the event into a party rally. People were regularly made to raise the fist, a Zanu (PF) party symbol. During introductions of prominent people present, the master of ceremony asked Zanu (PF) District Coordinating Committee (DCC) and Politburo members to stand up and meet the people.

Zanu (PF) politburo member, Lilian Zemura, reprimanded organizers of the event against politicizing the gathering as members from other political parties were in attendance. Which members of the DCC and Politburo are you requesting to stand up? This is a public and apolitical event attended by supporters from across the political divide, she told the master of ceremony. There was a heavy presence of state security agents at the event also attended by several Zanu (PF) members of parliament including David Parirenyatwa.