NGO AFRICA WATCH November Edition

OPINION INTERVIEW FIELD REPORT

Will omicron – the new coronavi- CHRA Executive Director A timid youth transforms into a
rus variant of concern – be more Lorraine Mupeseri on why the confident entrepreneur
contagious than delta? A virus Communique of the residents
evolution expert explains what associations is important?
researchers know and what they
don’t

Issue 2 November 2021
www.ngoafricawatch.com

USAID boosts support to Zimbabwe
through resilience-building

Reporting developmental news from an African perspective

I WAS IN LABOUR FOR THREE DAYS.
MY BABY AND I COULD HAVE DIED.
WE SURVIVED BECAUSE THE MILITARY HOSPITAL
TREATED THE MOST URGENT CASES FIRST.

Tom Stoddart/Getty Images for ICRC 4176/002;03 11.2013

www.healthcareindanger.org Health-care workers must provide care impartially. For combatants
and the authorities, this means allowing medical personnel to prioritize
treatment solely on the basis of need and without discrimination.

CONTENTS

Editor’s note Page 3 EDITORIAL’S NOTE

Mangwande health Personnel live in fear of Yesterday and Now: We
continue to grow stronger
terror gangs Page 4

A timid youth transforms into a confident

entrepreneur Page 5

News in Brief Page 7

Japan supports 2,200 rural households

affected by seasonal shocks Page 8

USAID boosts support to Zimbabwe through

resilience-building Page 9 Clive Makumbe, Executive Editor our reputation continues to grow
stronger as International entities
Bringing water closer to residents Page 12

Drug Abuse shuttered her dreams! Page 13 such as Development Aid and Ideal-
ist recognize and support us.
Government, FAO launch a new project for When we started our publication,

sustainable use of fisheries resources of Lake

Kariba and the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe

Page 15 we averaged 1,000-2,000 daily traf-

Will omicron the new coronavirus variant fic hits. But, the moment we created

of concern be more contagious than del- a new look website and wide variety

ta? A virus evolution expert explains what

researchers know and what they don’t of content that includes gender, dis-

Page 18 abilities, food and agricultural issues

Students in Lesotho fighting climate change to name a few in all parts of Africa,

through livestock Page 17

IOM’s World Migration Report Shows Global our online hites jumped remarkably

Displacement Rising Despite COVID-19 This month, NGO Africa Watch to 300,000 a week on average.
turned 4 years - but we are growing Our daily traffic has grown verocial-
Mobility Limits Page 22 stronger and better in disseminat- ly in the past 4 years - up to 1.7 mil-
ing humanitarian information. lion hits in 2020 while the number of
INTERVIEW: Why the Communique of the res- The motivation behind NGO Af- hits for 2021 is estimated at about
rica Watch was the increasing gap 1.9 million.
idents associations is important? Page 23 being left by mainstream media Above all, NGO Africa Watch is cre-
houses as well as community news- ating huge partnerships and gaining
PUBLISHER papers in covering humanitarian is- recognition in more than 34 Africa
sues since they do not sale to the countries - with more than 100 in-
Africa general public to attract advertising formation sources, operating 24/7
revenue. and publishing in English and soon in
Watch So what was left for us to do? Cov- French, Spanish and Arabic content.
Trust er the gap that seems not impor- Slowly our vision and mission is
tant to mainstream media. taking shape, NGO Africa Watch is
Registered with But coming up with this publica- quietly building its brand and posi-
tion was not easy since resources tioning in Africa to be one of the best
Board of Directors had to be pooled together at the sources of humanitarian information
Bright Tendai Marimbe, Takura same time developing the best in Africa, without the slightest doubt.
Moffat Hove, Ropafadzo Munyaka model suited for civic society or- Our standards of course will im-
ganisations and non-governmental prove with time concerning informa-
Executive Editor organisations, for this publication tion-sharing to the changing needs
Clive Makumbe to take off. of our readers.
([email protected]) As Peter Chapeck, one of the Looking to the near future, Bright
([email protected]) founders, told us recently: “When Tendai Marimbe, Board Chairman,
disaster arrives, information will says: “In our era of misinformation
Contributers save and support many lives in their were every fact has to be checked
Nozipho Rutsate dark times. We are still convincing particularly humanitarian news, it
Kevin Mazorodze many UN entities, INGOs, NGOs is critical for the international hu-
Jonah Nyoni and CSOs that this publication is in manitarian community to ensure
their best interests, therefore, pro- trustworthiness, timeliness and rel-
Design and Layout vide your success stories and infor- evance of information distributed
Mildred Mbira mation to enhance an efficient and weekly throughout our platforms
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NGO Africa Watch 2 3

Mangwande health Personnel live in fear of
terror gangs

The residents implored the government to add more police for their constituency and
avail resources for them to be effective in the execution of their duties.

Jonah Nyoni nurse who said they now live in terror the police want to work they are faced
Zimbabwe Christian Alliance from the terror gangs that are now act- with incapacitation and limited resourc-
ing like WarLords. es.
Nurses at Mangwande Rural health
Centre in Lower Gwelo are living in fear “We now live in fear. This weekend my The residents implored the govern-
after being terrorized by robbers and colleagues will be going for their off days ment to add more police for their con-
violent gang squads. This was revealed and I will be left alone at the clinic. I am stituency and avail resources for them
in a community meeting hosted at Man- afraid and I am asking myself whether I to be effective in the execution of their
gandwe Clinic with an agenda to resolve should hand you the keys and go to my duties. The Assistant Inspector said the
the problem at hand. family as well?” asked one of the senior police-people ratio is one police to 1750
nurses. people in the district which is far too
Present in the meeting was the Min- less. She also lamented the challenge
ister of parliament (MP) for the Vungu At the same meeting the ZRP Assistant of scarce resources where they have
Constituency Omega Sibanda, The Zim- inspector- Ratidzai Mupatutsi for Mabo- on working car in the district.The ZCA
babwe (ZRP) Assistant inspector and cur- leni Police camp who said they are will- Local Pea ce Committee will be engag-
rent acting member in charge Ratidzai ing to train the neighborhood commit- ing the relevant authorities so that the
Mupatutsi, the Gweru District Develop- tee and asked the residents to work with problems could be resolved and the re-
ment Coordinator (DDC), for Gweru Dis- the police to uproot unruly elements in sponse mechanism improved. Also the
trict who is also a Chairperson of Gweru Mangwande. She also proposed that LPC will continue to work with nurses on
Local peace committee (LPC) Mr Tarisai citizens should practice ‘citizen arrests’ trauma healing and conflictresolution.
Mudadigwa. which will help the police nab the perpe-
trators. Citizen arrests happen when the Nefati chokumba, HCC chairperson
Also in attendance were the Local local residents arrest perpetrators an for Mangwande Clinic and Chairman
Peace Committee members and Chief hand them to the ZRP. for ward 5, of Sadza said that they are
Bunina (Jabulani Chisadza) of Lower Gw- now concerned that they will lose skilled
eru and residents. The Minister of Parliament (MP) for health personnel due to these robbers
the Vungu Constituency Omega Sibanda as they seek safer work stations in other
A nurse in the area, said that health said more has to be done by all mem- districts.
personnel and the comm nity were living bers that include residents, the police
in fear of the terror gangs. and community leaders. “The challenge we have now is that we
might lose civil servants who now leave
She said that most of the people work- “As residents, are we looking after our in fear. We had teachers that left our
ing at the clinic which is seriously un- place? Have we protected our area to school because we had
derstaffed will leave if the issue is not the best of our ability? Do we have secu-
resolved. rity for the ward as leaders? Let’s protect school teachers rapped. This wors-
our area”, said MP Sibanda The MP also ens the already dire situation. Robbers
Recently, Mangendwe clinic was visit- bemoaned the unavailability of proper broke into the clinic and
ed by a robbers who took away goods property security and promised to send
and item for nurses. a team from his office that are going to stole personal goods for one of the
look into it and put necessary security nurses who was also beaten,” said Cho-
This was not the first time that robbers measures. kumba.
were wreaking havoc in Mangwande of
Lower Gwelo. “There is no security. We need burgla- The community was urged to work to-
ry bars and security lights. We also need gether with the police to report cases of
Teachers once deserted Mangwan- to train people from the community to gang violence and rape issues to the Po-
de Primary School because of security become part of the neighborhood com- lice. The Government should play its bit
problems caused by machete gangs who mittee.” said MP Sibanda In as much as to improve Mangwande.
stole items and ransacked teachers.
NGO Africa Watch 2 4
Speaking during the meeting was one

A timid youth transforms into a confident
entrepreneur

He was initially trained on how to start a new business, how to develop an already ex-
isting business, how to market a business (offering good customer care) and financial
management.

Shuttered, timid and hopeless was riculture is a lucrative source of live- include tomatoes, carrots and peas. I

Alex Chimundo – a 20 year old boy, lihood. supply my produce to the largest veg-

born and bred in a marginalised ru- He was initially trained on how to etable market in the City of Mutare

ral family in Dzobo Village (Mutare start a new business, how to develop once a week”.

District) has transformed into a confi- an already existing business, how to “However, anticipated or unex-

dent farmer after receiving economic market a business (offering good cus- pected pressures (such as the advent

empowerment from Simukai Child tomer care) and financial manage- of Covid-19) made it difficult for me

Protection Programme. ment. This remarkable knowledge to access the markets in Mutare City

He had a passion to venture into enabled him to present a sound busi- due to movement restrictions insti-

horticulture but lacked the technical ness proposal before Simukai. tuted to contain the spread of this

knowledge and capital to embark on Alex was then given a small grant pandemic. So, as an alternative I then

effective market gardening; hence to start Income Generating Activi- targeted the local market in Dzobo.

Simukai imparted the necessary agro- ties (IGAs) and vocational start-up This current approach helped me to

skills and resources and set the ball kits that enabled him to establish a detect adverse financial trends early

rolling for Alex to realize his dream. 100x100 square metre garden in Dzo- and initiating appropriate remedial

According to the Food and Agri- bo Village. This massive support ele- action where possible.” Alex added.

cultural Organization (FAO), 60-70% vated him to the level of top farmers Alex benefited immensely from

of the country`s population depend in the area. economic strengthening initiatives

on agriculture-related affairs for em- Alex in a jovial mood said; “With the within Simukai which saw 660 youth

ployment and accounts for 40% of help of Simukai, I ventured into mar- receiving start-up capital funds to en-

export earnings and makes up 17% of ket gardening in 2020 in Dzobo area gage in IGAs as a means to achieve

the country`s Gross Domestic Prod- in Munyarari under Mutare District. economic self-reliance in February

uct (GDP). Hence Alex knew that ag- I grow a variety of vegetables which 2020 in Manicaland Province.

NGO Africa Watch 2 5

Alex’s agro-business enabled him also prefer indigenous chickens for The Guardian Newspaper of 21

to develop his rural homestead and meat than broilers as the former is March 2020 reported that, “The

transformed the welfare of his sib- free range and organically produced number of Zimbabwean people living

lings. He built a neatly furnished than the latter. The villagers prefer in extreme poverty has reached 7.9

3-roomed house, sent his two sib- the natural taste of free range reared million as the Covid-19 Pandemic has

lings to a local high school and more fowl. delivered another economic shock to

significantly; he buys sufficient food He has done so well in his projects the country. With Covid-19 induced

for the whole family. and his zeal and passion can make lockdown, the households were not

Alex goes on to say, “I also invest- him a very good change agent in his spared from shrinking income.”

ed in a manual foot pump to irrigate community and inspire other youth. To date, Simukai has assisted over

my land holding under horticultur- The timid youth who joined ZOE Em- 3000 households including Alex’s.

al crops to scale up my production. powers Programme, under Simukai in Simukai recruits the households in

Since then, life has dramatically 2020 has emerged a confident entre- working groups of between 25–30

changed because I managed to con- preneur among youth in Munyarari. households through a meticulous

struct a 3-roomed house from the Alex went further to say, “I escaped beneficiary selection process.

yields of my business.” the jaws of poverty (such as lack of The selected beneficiaries are as-

In 2020 Alex managed to buy sheep food and shelter, absence of social sisted with technical, financial and

and goats to diversify his projects services, lack of access to prima- market advisory services for a period

and to him these were a lot easier ry health care and unemployment) of 3 years when they are graduated

to rear because they required little by utilising my talent and God-giv- from the Programme and a new cycle

supplementary feeding and are well en strength. Innumerable thanks go of beneficiaries are selected. Grad-

accustomed to the dry conditions of to Simukai for being that catalyst to uated beneficiaries act as role mod-

Munyarari and surrounding areas – uplift me from my pit of poverty and els to youth still in the programme.

22 miles from Mutare City centre. despair.” Economic self-sufficiency is the goal

Alex’s business has grown in leaps Simukai is tirelessly working to up- of the economic empowerment pro-

and bounds as 2021 marked his lift the lives of vulnerable households gramme driven to make youth help

commencement in the hatching and particularly those that include elder- themselves rather than be objects of

breeding of domesticated guinea ly caregivers, child-headed families pity or be downtrodden and labelled

fowls and indigenous chickens. Many and youth living with people who are in their communities, but be leading

people in the rural setting buy the bedridden whose income is far below lights and community champions of

guinea fowls as a delicacy while they the poverty datum line. economic independence.

NGO Africa Watch 2 6

News in brief

Youths urged to participate in UNITAMS
resource allocation processes statement on
violence in
As unemployment continues to ple in this country to participate

Darfur regionspiral, opportunities dwindle and in the resource allocation pro-

allegations of corruption among cesses otherwise the older gen-
other vices of bad governance eration will continue to deter-

become rife, youths have been mine the future of this country.”
urged to participate in resource Munyoro added that, despite
allocation process in order to safe- constituting the biggest popu-
guard and advance their interests. lation, youths continue to shun

The call was made during a val- the resource allocation process.
idation workshop for the mod- “Youths should take advantage
el law on the Zimbabwe Youth of their numerical advantage and

Bill which was organised by Na- participate in the resource allo-

tional Associations of Youth Or- cation process. In Zimbabwe, the

ganisation (NAYO) in Harare. population is dominated by youths

NAYO Programs Officer Mc- so they must make effort and

Donald Munyoro said if the participate in these processes.”
youths fail to participate in re- Zimbabwe National Students UNITAMS is gravely concerned by
source allocation process, their Union (ZINASU) President Tapi- the significant rise in tribal and inter-
future will continue to be deter- wa Chiriga also said that youths communal violence, resulting in the
mined by the older generation. should not be left out in na- unfortunate loss of civilian lives and

“It is the role of the young peo- tional development issues. livelihoods, most recently in Tawila,
ZICHIRE fights drug abuse through Dar Es Salam and Sortoni, Kabkabiya
localities of North Darfur and Jebel
Moon, West Darfur.
‘Power for change’ campaign Reports indicate that scores of peo-

ple have been killed and many others

injured in fighting between Arabs and

The Zimbabwe Communi- Chikanya decried the mushroom- Misseriya Jebel in Jebel Moon on 17
ty Health Intervention Research ing of Shabeens which compound- and 19 November, with tens of vil-
(ZICHIRE) recently launched the ed the drug problem in the country lages burned and some 4,300 people
Power for Change campaign aimed as the unregulated environment reportedly displaced, many to eastern
at tackling the burgeoning scourge meant that drug lords could eas- Chad. We are also alarmed at reports
of drug abuse among the youth. ily sell their illicit products with- of rape committed against women
out any authoritative scrutiny. and girls as well as reports of 20 chil-
ZICHIRE Director, Walter Chikan- dren missing.
ya said the campaign is running Chikanya called for more partners
under the theme ‘young people to come on board as the organisation UNITAMS welcomes initial efforts
can change the world.’ “This is a continues rolling out the campaign. reportedly taken by local authorities
campaign targeting young peo- to respond to the situation, and calls
ple using drugs while also fighting “I am happy the President has on regional and national authorities
drug trafficking. We hope through spoken of the drug challenge and to immediately step-up efforts to
the need to clean our streets. We de-escalate tensions, investigate the

this campaign, young people can are therefore making a call for more recent incidents, and prevent further
rehabilitate and go through psy- partners to come aboard, we are not violence.
cho-social support and treatment. particular about financial resourc- The persistent insecurity in Darfur
“However we are reaching out to es, rather we are looking at even in- underscores the need for the Gov-
all people from all walks of life as tellectual contribution, logistics, IEC ernment and armed groups that have
drug abuse is now a huge challenge materials, anti-toxicity drugs and signed up to the Juba Peace Agree-
within our communities. It is our moral support from parents and ment to prioritize the protection of
hope that the campaign will cover guardians as well as organisations. civilians in Darfur, and in this regard,
all parts of the country, especially On offer for the launch which swiftly implement the provisions of
the high density suburbs where this was held in Harare gardens was the Agreement, particularly the stand-
challenge has taken root. Look at male circumcision, HIV testing and ing up of the Joint Security Keeping
high density suburbs like Mbare, counselling. Population Services Forces and the provision of the Na-
Mabvuku, Hopley and Mufakose. International. National AIDS Coun- tional Plan for Protection of Civilians.

The drug lords are really pushing cil, CATCH and Young people’s net- UNITAMS reminds the Sudanese

their product vigorously’’ he said. work joined ZICHRE for the launch. authorities’ that their responsibility

Speaking on the effects of COV- The campaign will run till the to protect civilians is not diminished
ID-19 and mitigatory lockdowns, end of the first quarter in 2022. despite the current political situation.

NGO Africa Watch 2 7

Japan supports 2,200 rural households
affected by seasonal shocks

“Food Security is one of the main priorities of National Development Strategy
One, and the contribution from the Government of Japan through WFP...”

Harare, Zimbabwe – The World this goal and making sure no one is come even more resilient. The new

Food Programme (WFP) and the left behind,” said Hon. Mavhunga. assets you have created will help you

Government of Japan are pleased to “The Government of Zimbabwe ap- do this.”

announce the finalisation of a resil- preciated such partnerships since WFP Deputy Country Director,

ience building programme in the dis- they seek to achieve the objectives Christine Mendes said WFP is work-

trict of Mount Darwin. of the strategy.” ing closely with partners to address

The USD 1.25 million contribution Through WFP’s Food Assistance for vulnerabilities among rural commu-

provided by Japan in March 2021, Assets Programme (FFA), members nities.

has empowered up to 2,200 vul- of the Kanyoka community have “Japan has generously contribut-

nerable households (approximately successfully built and rehabilitated ed USD 5.8 million to the FFA pro-

11,000 individuals) in Mount Darwin several collective assets including a gramme since 2017,” she said. “To-

and Matobo districts to enhance community garden, feeder roads, gether, we have been able to reach

their food and nutrition security and keyhole gardens, solar water pumps, up to 12,800 households, approxi-

find community solutions to season- fencing, and fuel-efficient stoves. mately 64,000 people across the six

al shocks. They have also received training in districts of Chiredzi, Hwange, Mudzi,

At a community ceremony held topics such as environmental man- Rushinga, Matobo and Mount Dar-

today in Kanyoka (ward 11), Mount agement and improved harvest prac- win. This has helped to address both

Darwin, WFP and partners official- tices, thereby strengthening their short and longer-term food insecu-

ly handed over completed assets to skills and capacities for the future. rity among people impacted by con-

the community. The event attract- FFA not only provides immediate secutive years of drought and shocks

ed high-level participation from access to food through the provi- like COVID-19.”

the Minister of Provincial Affairs sion of food assistance for the most FFA interventions are being im-

for Mashonaland Central Province, vulnerable, but also sustainably ad- plemented in districts that are re-

the Hon. Monicah Mavhunga; the dresses rural communities’ long- garded as chronically food insecure.

Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, term food security by enhancing After several years of participating in

H.E Mr Satoshi Tanaka; WFP Dep- their resilience to meet their own the programme, communities such

uty Country Director Ms Christine food needs. as Kanyoka are more equipped with

Mendes; and World Vision, Opera- In addressing the Kanyoka com- the tools and skills they need to be

tions Manager Mr Amon Matsongo- munity, H.E. Mr. Satoshi Tanaka, self-sustainable. The programme,

ni. said that “climate change is serious however, remains underfunded de-

“Food Security is one of the main and unfortunately is here to stay, spite the positive impacts.

priorities of National Development as shown by the successive drought Since 2012, WFP and partners have

Strategy One, and the contribu- years you have experienced in the supported communities to develop

tion from the Government of Japan last decade. That’s why it is essential up to 2,000 community-based assets

through WFP will assist in reaching for communities like yours to be- across thirty districts in Zimbabwe.

NGO Africa Watch 2 8

USAID boosts support to Zimbabwe
through resilience-building

The rural resilience activities will support community-based asset building, promote village savings
and lending groups, and provide training on improving crop storage conditions to reduce harvest
loss.

Photo: WFP Zimbabwe

Clive Makumbe the major beneficiaries of this and climate change.

Executive Editor through WFP’s Urban Resilience “The United States will con-

Building Programme which tinue to bring critical food as-

Harare, Zimbabwe – United aims to reach 140,000 house- sistance to the most vulnerable

States Agency for Internation- holds across 19 urban domains. Zimbabweans,” said USAID Act-

al Development (USAID) has Moreover, 14,000 rural house- ing Mission Director Zeb Simp-

poured US$5.7 million towards holds in eight districts will be son.

the the Unated Nations World given support through WFP’s “At the same time, we are

Food Programme’s efforts to Food Assistance for Assets Pro- working to equip households

help people who are vulnerable gramme. and communities with the skills

to food insecurity in urban and These programmes will de- and resources they need to

rural areas of Zimbabwe. velop community skills and overcome the shocks and chal-

Which means USAID’s contri- create assets to better prepare lenges they face.”

bution towards resiliance build- communities with sustainable It is said urban areas are the

ing is over US$45 million since livelihood opportunities – and most hard hit, where 42% (per-

last year. improve their capacity to cope cent) of the population are

Urban populations will be with shocks such as COVID-19 deemed to be food insecure,

NGO Africa Watch 2 9

many impacted by the loss of the upcoming lean season. ing six months to ease food in-

informal jobs. Innovative pro- “We have seen that resilience security in Zimbabwe.

jects like hydroponics will be building activities are key to The U.N. agency says its as-

stablished in and around cities- helping people move beyond sessment shows that more than

which encourages food produc- a cycle of dependence and as 5 million people in the south-

tion through environmentally such both programmes aim to ern African nation are looking

sustainable techniques. improve livelihood opportuni- at food shortages in coming

This will empower communi- ties and provide a regular source months.

ties with the tools required to of food and nutrition security to The latest 2021 rural Zimba-

grow and sell food to generate people experiencing hardship,” bwe vulnerability assessment

income as many urban liveli- said WFP Country Director and committee rural report indi-

hoods have been devastated by Representative Francesca Erdel- cates that 2.9 million people in

COVID-19. Complementary skills mann. rural areas – that’s 27% of ru-

building will also be provided to “Importantly, the programmes ral households - continue to be

communities such as financial are community-led and focus on food insecure during the peak

literacy, vocational and digital the development and mainte- lean season between January

skills, marketing and micro busi- nance of collective assets in ad- and March 2022. In urban are-

ness management training. dition to valuable life skills such as up to 2.4 million people are

The rural resilience activities as savings and financial literacy expected to be food insecure ac-

will support community-based that yield longer-term benefits.” cording to the latest 2021 urban

asset building, promote village The contribution comes at livelihoods assessment.

savings and lending groups, and a critical time for Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe, once the breadbas-

provide training on improving where approximately 5.3 million ket of the region, has for years

crop storage conditions to re- people across the country are been facing food shortages,

duce harvest loss. facing food insecurity- despite forcing it to rely on humanitar-

In exchange for participation, the bumper harvest this season. ian organizations such as World

food assistance will be provided Recently, the WFP said it is Vision, USAID and the WFP to

to supplement shortfalls during seeking $65 million in the com- feed the people.

NGO Africa Watch 2 10

DISPLACEMENT IN A
CHANGING CLIMATE

Localized humanitarian action at the
forefront of the climate crisis

|1
NGO Africa Watch 1 10

Bringing water closer to residents

Their determination has amplified women’s profile and influence in dialogues
and decision-making on water management and water infrastructures.

Clive Makumbe residents. During the lobby meeting, clean drinking water coming from

Executive Editor GRRA members informed the coun- land. The women have been able to

cilor of the ward about the unsafe save their time to fetch water from

water they were drinking and its river and are now have direct access

Members of Gweru Residents and consequences but the councilor did to safe water.
Ratepayers Association (GRRA) in nothing to assist the residents while They are now able to give time in
ward 9 have played the leading role telling them about the financial con- income generation activity and oth-
in sorting out the main problem at straints that the local authority fac- er areas of work.
their village’s access to drinking wa- es. Most importantly, they do not

ter. The members of GRRA did not have to face the problem of commu-
Mkoba village 1 has one functional stop their advocacy campaign as nicable diseases any longer.
borehole which supplies over 10,000 they were the ones who were facing “Due to regular follow ups and co-
problems related to water in their ordination, we have been success-
residents.
This has lead to the formation of daily lives. ful. It has eased our work load and

the fundraising and lobby group to They planned to directly lobby with made our life simple. We would like
come up with effective long-term the Gweru City Council (GCC). They to thank everyone involved in this
submitted the demand letter and process,” says, Ritai Chirapata a resi-
solutions.
They were facing a water crisis meet the Mayor of Gweru, Cllr Josi- dent of Village of Village 1.
for many years, compelling them to ah Makombe. “We kept on following This successful lobbying and advo-
fetch water from Mkoba 1 police sta- with our demand and issues during cacy have set an example for other
tion thereby leading to the arrest of meetings with the Mayor continu- communities as well.
five women for needing water to do ously,” Shamiso Masanha (pictured). Their determination has amplified
After the regular coordination and women’s profile and influence in
their household chores.
This forced GRRA members to dis- follow up, the local authority allocat- dialogues and decision-making on
cuss the water situation as it con- ed land and installed a water tape. water management and water infra-
cerned the survival and health of Women are very happy seeing the structures.

NGO Africa Watch 2 12

Drug Abuse shuttered her dreams!

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2013) Report estimated that
there are 28 million drug users in Africa with 37 000 people dying annually from
diseases related to consumption of drugs.

The motionless and profusely bulbs and remove the top part, leav- idleness of waking up each day and
pity-evoking figure was Tadiwa – a ing the “u-shaped” glass part of the finding nothing to do plunged me into
14-year-old girl lying precariously on bulb. I drop in a piece of crystal meth drug abuse. That was in June 2020;
the scruffy island separating the dual and then heat the glass over a candle and since then, I became a regular
carriageway of the ever-busy Mutare flame. The granule turns into a vapour user, my dream to become a doctor
Central Business District (CBD). that I inhale which makes me high and vanishing from my reach” Tadiwa con-
I don’t sleep for 2 to 3 days.” fessed.
Tadiwa wallowed in this pitiful state
following her excessive consumption While crystal meth keeps Tadiwa Simukai observed that Tadiwa had
of crystal meth, a drug commonly high for 2 to 3 days, it can also inad- also ventured into selling cannabis
known as “gukamakafala” – the most vertently intoxicate and sedate her; and other drugs smuggled in marga-
trending intoxicant in the underworld thus, lying half-dead on the street rine containers and inside corn snacks
of drug abuse. Devoid of conscious- pavements for similar consecutive popularly known as zapnax packets in
ness, Tadiwa perched there; sun-burnt days. The sedating power of this hei- order to disguise and hide their an-
and wind-blown for numerous hours. nous drug has caused the little girl ti-social activities from police. Tadiwa
not only to lose her mind, but also to peddles drugs for her own sustenance
The little girl’s hope of being a med- indulge into sexual and criminal activ- as she has no qualifications to seek a
ical doctor was shuttered, creativity ities. formal job since she dropped out of
splintered and dreams dashed fol- school.
lowing her involuntary drop-out from Tadiwa had been abusing other
school for lack of school fees owing to drugs such as cannabis (known as Needless to say, Tadiwa’s consump-
household poverty. Notwithstanding mbanje in vernacular Shona language) tion of these and other drugs plunged
the hostile and derivation at home, Ta- and cough mixtures like Broncleer her into catastrophic consequences.
diwa plunged into street life; and she popularly known as ‘bronco’, a bron- Among them were pre-marital sex,
was made to believe (through peer chodilator (cough medicine that con- dropping out from school, psychotic
pressure) that drugs could be the opi- tains codeine and alcohol). However, problems, bullying and violence.
um of escapism from her problems. crystal meth and cannabis were the
Tadiwa lost all self-belief that she cheapest and most accessible to the Crystal meth affected her brain’s
could rise to be someone in life due to little girl. normal functioning as she is now slow-
her burden of poverty. er and suffers from slurred speech.
“I first used crystal meth before I Her attention span to focus and follow
In an interview Tadiwa acknowl- dropped out of school, during Cov- through on a task that requires con-
edged that “I take old energy saver id 19 induced lockdown period. The centration, learning and remember-

NGO Africa Watch 2 13

ing, has also been impinged on. In the working on the streets. Zimbabwe has two pieces of legisla-
bigger picture, the effects of drugs on Awareness campaigns against drug tion regulating drug use which are the
Tadiwa will affect the country’s econo- Dangerous Drugs Act (Chapter 15:02)
my at large in the cost to rehabilitate and substance abuse focuses on the and the Criminal Law (Codification and
people addicted to drugs at taxpay- its negative effects as a way of vividly Reform Act) (Chapter) 9:23). Currently,
ers` cost. exposing such pitfalls whilst seeking the courts are grappling with enforce-
to instil ethical values in young boys ment of dealing with and use of a po-
The Director of Simukai Child Pro- and girls to preserve tomorrow`s tent drug crystal meth whose classifi-
tection Programme, Mrs Francisca generation from the brink of immi- cation as a dangerous drug is still hazy
Barbara Matsanga lamented that; nent destruction. Simukai has also in an effort to discourage its inevitable
“Studies have also shown that youths held drive-through road shows to spread.
who indulge in substance engage in raise awareness against drug and sub-
high-risk activities and often self-de- stance abuse, especially before, during Simukai is complementing govern-
structive behaviours that make them and post-COVID-19 era. Drive-through ment efforts as well as working with
hooked to drugs and sadly usually end Road Shows avoided huge gatherings rural and urban communities in rais-
up in suicide. A good number of such in conforming to COVID-19 restrictions ing enviable youth who are exemplary
youth end up living and working on whilst at the same time reaching out and responsible citizens of tomorrow.
the streets.” to multitudes of people as the Public Simukai recommends that govern-
Address (PA) System speakers broad- ment builds more centres to rehabil-
The United Nations Office on Drugs casted these messages. itate drug-addicts. Currently there is
and Crime (2013) Report estimated only one centre in Harare called Bor-
that there are 28 million drug users Simukai invited Tadiwa to its Drop- rowdale Halfway House.
in Africa with 37 000 people dying an- in-Centre for counselling sessions in
nually from diseases related to con- order to warn her against the devas- If drug and substance abuse is
sumption of drugs. United Nations tating effects of substance abuse and left unchecked, it shatters lives, hin-
Educational, Scientific and Cultural to give her hope for a bright future. ders creativity or destroys hope and
Organization (UNESCO) Survey (2021) These sessions helped Tadiwa focus dreams of the young generation as
observed that Zimbabwe’s youths con- on constructive thoughts through youth drop out of school due to drug
stitute 67, 7% of the population. Thus, gainfully occupying her mind with var- addiction, engage in both petty and se-
drugs are ruining the larger part of the ious livelihood skills and lifeskill activ- rious crime like pickpocketing to even
country’s population. ities like facilities for bathing, washing house break-ins to sustain their addic-
her clothes, counsellors to lend a lis- tive habits bullying and other forms of
Tadiwa confides that “…some local tening ear to her problems. violence. Youth live unfulfilled dreams
youths have been impacted negatively as their lives go to waste down the
by songs that chant and glorify drugs, In pursuance of the adage that says, drain as they would have failed to
violence, sex and other anti-social. In “an idle mind is the devil`s workshop”, complete their education or have the
particular, some Zimdancehall songs Simukai established a Rehabilitation blemish of criminal records for pro-
glorify the use of marijuana, bronco Centre in Mutare City as well as in spective employers to take them on
and histalix…’. These and other songs Chipinge Town with an aim to reha- board. Youth hooked on drugs also
have influenced teenage brains into bilitate children living and working on live a life of being shunned and stere-
contentment with drug substance. the streets to refrain from drugs and otyped by their own family members
alcohol. Simukai also empowers Tadi- as well as the bigger society, especially
It is against this backdrop that wa with Income Generating Activities after serving time in jail and upon their
Simukai is making concerted efforts to (IGAs) and Vocational Skills Training to release nobody trusts them any more
end drug abuse by youth on the streets counter street life and promote eco- or wants to associate tainted by a his-
of Manicaland Province. Simukai in nomic self-reliance. She was also em- tory of crime or deviancy.
collaboration with law enforcement powered to rear indigenous poultry
agents like the Zimbabwe Republic like guinea fowl, free range chickens
Police (ZRP) is conducting awareness as well as buying and selling clothes.
campaigns targeting youth living and

NGO Africa Watch 2 14

Government, FAO launch a new project for
sustainable use of fisheries resources of Lake
Kariba and the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe

This project takes a co-management approach to improve the efficiency and effective-
ness of management processes, with enhanced fishing community participation.

Kevin Mazorodze ity of small-scale fisheries of Lake Kar- This project takes a co-management ap-

Food Agricultural Organisation iba and the Zambezi River. The launch proach to improve the efficiency and ef-

which took place in Kariba was attended fectiveness of management processes,

Fish production at Lake Kariba and the by key stakeholders in the fisheries and with enhanced fishing community par-

Zambezi River has been on the decline aquaculture industry including senior ticipation.

in Zimbabwe since the 1990s. The lake government officials, development part- “Small-scale fisheries globally face

ecosystem is sensitive to volatile envi- ners, fish producers, retailers and NGOs. many challenges that render them vul-

ronmental conditions such as droughts. The launch was officially opened by Mr nerable to global climatic and socio-eco-

Lack of an effective management sys- Munesu Munodawafa, Permanent Sec- nomic changes. Enhancing sustainability

tem has directly affected the livelihoods retary in MECTHI. of small scale fisheries is necessary for

of small scale fisheries (SSF). Given the “This project is very important in that improving fisheries management and

vital socio-economic importance of the it will address poverty reduction right also improving availability of fish for

fisheries of Lake Kariba, there is need to at the grassroots level through the con- food security and economic growth,”

enhance the resilience in sustainability cept of local economic development said Louis Muhigirwa, FAO Deputy Rep-

of small scale fisheries. wherein local people’s participation and resentative to Zimbabwe in a keynote

The Food and Agriculture Organiza- convergence of efforts will be made to speech on behalf of FAO Sub-regional

tion of the United Nations (FAO) in part- happen,” said Mr Munodawafa is his Coordinator for Southern Africa, Patrice

nership with the Government through keynote address at the launch of the Talla.

the Ministry of Environment, Climate, project. The project will involve the fisher

Tourism and Hospitality Industry (MEC- FAO in consultation with the MECTHI community in an evaluation of the con-

THI) today launched a two-year techni- and strategic stakeholders in the fisher- straints and difficulties encountered in

cal cooperation programme (TCP). The ies sector will facilitate the resuscitation the functioning of previous associative

main objective of the TCP is to enhance of co-management structures and other initiatives, and assist in planning the way

community resilience and sustainabil- activities that enhance resilience of SSF. forward.

NGO Africa Watch 2 15

“As fishermen, we should embrace challenges in the small scale fisheries raised by the fishers and the leadership
the co-management niche of this pro- in Lake Kariba. The survey was present- of the area
ject which will ultimately improve our ed to the residents including the chiefs
livelihoods through our small scale fish- who validated the findings of the sur- A package of activities are lined up for
ing endeavours especially in view of the vey. The co-management structures are the next two years to address a number
COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tichaona going to be resuscitated before training of important components that contrib-
Manzungu, Chairperson of the Gache programmes on fish-handling and fish ute input to a fisheries management
Gache Fishers Association in Kariba. hygiene, and marketing are rolled out. based on the ecosystem approach to
A project management plan is going to fisheries in Lake Kariba and the Zambezi
The project conducted a base line be developed embracing the concerns River.
survey to understand the status and

NGO Africa Watch 2 16

Students in Lesotho fighting climate change
through livestock

The project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the Least Developed
Countries Fund, in 2019 provided Maseribane High School with five (one boar and four sows)
high yielding breed of pigs and 15 bags of feeds.

Kevin Mazorodze nutritional security of the community. Change Adaptation through Support to

Food Agricultural Organisation “We have experienced climate Integrated Watershed Management”.

change in our area. Rains are erratic.

Mount Moorosi in Quthing district, is We are teaching students innovative Getting everyone on board

covered by dry and rocky mountains. ways in agriculture to adapt to climate FAO believes that dealing with cli-

The community is semi-arid and prone vulnerabilities. The kind of technolo- mate change at the local level should

to intensive erosion and water scarcity. gies that are easy to replicate back at involve all structures of the communi-

Situated in the rain shadow of the high their homes, such as growing crops un- ty including schools.

mountains, droughts have been in- der shade net to reduce evaporation The project, funded by the Global

creasing and frequent lately, affecting during hot weather,” said Lihotetso Environment Facility (GEF) through

the inhabitants who are predominant- Moleleki, Agriculture teacher at Ma- the Least Developed Countries Fund,

ly livestock keepers. seribane High School. in 2019 provided Maseribane High

The majority of Mount Moorosi In a bid to support the most vulner- School with five (one boar and four

community depend on mixed farming able communities to adapt to climate sows) high yielding breed of pigs and

of crops and livestock to support their change, the Food and Agriculture 15 bags of feeds. One pig has the ca-

livelihoods. They keep animals such as Organization of the United Nations pacity to produce up to 11 piglets in

sheep, pigs, cattle, chicken, for home (FAO), working with the Ministry of one go. The school had previously used

consumption and selling to earn an Forestry, Range and Soil Conservation local pig breeds during the studies.

income, while donkeys and horses are of Lesotho have implemented a pro- “We have experienced climate

kept for transportation. ject to reduce the vulnerability and change at home, at times the rains

In 2016, major losses of animals promote adaptive capacity to effec- come during the wrong season, and

were experienced as a result of severe tively respond to climate change im- sometimes it is very hot. Some time

drought that led to widespread water pacts in most vulnerable zones called back our pigs died due to lack of wa-

shortages, threatening the food and “Strengthening Capacity for Climate ter, and extreme hot weather condi-

NGO Africa Watch 2 17

tion,” said Lieketseng Sophia Lesetla, a to be a nurse to get a good job. Howev- of chemical fertilizer. In addition, the

Grade 12 student at Maseribane High er, when we started looking after this school sells the pigs to community and

School. good pig breed, I realized a big change. that means income for the school used

They are resilient to climate change”, to continue buying farm tools.

Climate resilient animals the 20-year-old Sophia said with a “The pigs provide healthy meat for

She is pursuing Agriculture studies at smile, “I have made a decision I want much needed nutrition for the stu-

the school. Her class has over 500 stu- to do a piggery business because I will dents through the food they get at the

dents. During the practical work, they be getting a lot of money while adapt- school’s food programme,” says Kabe-

take proper care of the pigs by clean- ing to climate change,” she added. lo Thulo, another Agriculture teacher

ing them, cleaning the stalls, feeding, “Since I started applying the knowl- at the school.

breeding, and other management edge to pigs at home, the pigs have To increase more involvement of the

practices like cutting the tails, and vac- become healthy because of good care. school communities, FAO has built a

cination. One pig that used to give birth to four water tank, keyhole garden, and dis-

Sophia’s family of ten members piglets or even less has now increased tributed vegetable seeds and fruit

keeps three pigs. She has been able to six piglets,” added Sophia. trees at Sekhonyana Primary school in

to transfer the knowledge and inno- Quthing district to promote responsi-

vations from school to managing the Improve nutrition at school ble land and water management, and

animals at home. The school has used the manure improve the food and nutrition securi-

“The bad weather conditions had from the pigs for the school vegeta- ty of the community.

made me hate farming, and I wanted ble gardens as a means to reduce use

NGO Africa Watch 2 18

WFP/Ratanak Leng

The meals that
make a difference

In emergencies, school feeding is an essential safeguard,
contributing to a sense of normalcy and educational
continuation for children, especially girls.
Providing nutritious meals at school enables children to stay
in school and learn, allowing them to more fully achieve their
potential and countries to develop their human capital.
Giving children a chance for a brighter future.

SAVING Join us @WorldFoodProgramme Follow us @WFP
LIVES
CHANGING
LIVES

NGO Africa Watch 1 18

Will omicron – the new coronavirus variant
of concern – be more contagious than del-
ta? A virus evolution expert explains what
researchers know and what they don’t

Through natural selection, random mutations accumulate in any virus. This pro-
cess is sped up in RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

A new variant named omicron My research group has been study- One possible explanation for how

(B.1.1.529) was reported by re- ing various aspects of the COVID-19 viral variants with multiple muta-

searchers in South Africa on Nov. virus, including its spillover into ani- tions emerge is through prolonged

24, 2021, and designated a “variant mals. infection in a patient whose immune

of concern” by the World Health Or- system is suppressed – a situation

ganization two days later. Omicron Why do new SARS-CoV-2 vari- that can lead to rapid viral evolution.

is very unusual in that it is by far the ants continue to emerge? Researchers have hypothesized that

most heavily mutated variant yet of some of the earlier SARS-CoV-2 vari-

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes While the unusually high number ants, such as the alpha variant, may

COVID-19. of mutations in the omicron variant have stemmed from a persistently

The omicron variant has 50 muta- is surprising, the emergence of yet infected patient. However, the un-

tions overall, with 32 mutations on another SARS-CoV-2 variant is not usual constellation and numerous

the spike protein alone. The spike unexpected. mutations in the omicron variant

protein – which forms protruding Through natural selection, ran- make it very different from all oth-

knobs on the outside of the SARS- dom mutations accumulate in any er SARS-CoV-2 strains, which raises

CoV-2 virus – helps the virus adhere virus. This process is sped up in RNA questions about how it came about.

to cells so that it can gain entry. It is viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. If and Another possible source of vari-

also the protein that all three vac- when a set of mutations provides a ants could be through animal hosts.

cines currently available in the U.S. survival advantage to a variant over The virus that causes COVID-19 can

use to induce protective antibodies. its predecessors, the variant will infect several animal species, includ-

For comparison, the delta variant out-compete all other existing virus ing mink, tigers, lions, cats and dogs.

has nine mutations. The larger num- variants. In a study that is not yet peer-re-

ber of mutations in the omicron var- Does the omicron variant’s great- viewed, an international team that

iant may mean that it could be more er number of mutations mean it is I lead recently reported widespread

transmissible and/or better at evad- more dangerous and transmissible infection by SARS-CoV-2 in free-liv-

ing immune protection – a prospect than delta? We simply don’t know ing and captive white-tailed deer in

that is very concerning. yet. The conditions that led to the the U.S. Therefore, we also cannot

I am a virologist who studies emergence of the variant are not rule out the possibility that the omi-

emerging and zoonotic viruses to yet clear, but what is clear is that the cron variant emerged in an animal

better understand how new epi- shear number and configuration of host through rapid evolution.

demic or pandemic viruses emerge. mutations in omicron is unusual. Two white-tailed deer look for

NGO Africa Watch 2 20

food in the woods in Pennsylvania. quired mutations that would allow tor-binding domain – the part of the
it to evade neutralizing antibodies spike protein that interacts with the
How the delta variant became that serve a critical role in the body’s ACE-2 receptor and mediates entry
dominant worldwide defense against an invading virus. into cells – compared with just two
This could explain why, as multiple for the delta variant.
Delta is between 40% and 60% reports have shown, the COVID-19
more transmissible than the alpha vaccines have been somewhat less Suppose the combination of all
variant and nearly twice as transmis- effective against the delta variant. the mutations in omicron makes it
sible as the original SARS-CoV-2 vi- This combination of high transmis- either more transmissible or better
rus first identified in China. The delta sibility and immune evasion could at immune evasion than delta. In
variant’s heightened transmissibility help explain how the delta variant that case, we could see the spread
is the primary reason why research- became so successful. of this variant globally. However, it
ers believe it was able to out-com- is also possible that the unusually
pete other variants to become the Studies also show that people in- high number of mutations could be
dominant strain. fected with the delta variant have detrimental to the virus and make it
a higher risk of being hospitalized unstable.
A key factor in viral fitness is its compared to those infected with the
replication rate – or how quickly a original SARS-CoV-2 and early vari- It is highly likely that the omicron
virus can make more copies of itself. ants. One particular mutation on the variant is not the endgame and
The delta variant replicates faster spike protein of the delta variant – that more SARS-CoV-2 variants will
than previous SARS-CoV-2 variants, the P681R mutation – is thought to emerge. As SARS-CoV-2 continues
and a not-yet-peer-reviewed study be a key contributor to its improved to spread among humans, natural
estimated that it produces 1,000 ability to enter cells and to cause selection and adaptation will result
times more virus particles than its more severe disease. in more variants that could plausibly
predecessors. be more transmissible than delta.
Will omicron replace delta?
In addition, people infected with We know from influenza viruses
the delta variant are making and It is too early to say if the omi- that the process of viral adaptation
shedding more virus, which is an- cron variant is fitter than delta or if never ends. Lower vaccination rates
other potential mechanism for its in- it will become dominant. Omicron among many countries means that
creased ability to spread. Research shares some mutations with the there are still a lot of susceptible
suggests that a possible explanation delta variant but also possesses hosts out there for the virus, and
for the delta variant’s heightened others that are quite different. But that it will continue to circulate and
ability to replicate is that mutations one of the reasons why we in the mutate as long as it can spread. The
in the spike protein led to more effi- research community are particularly emergence of the omicron variant is
cient binding of the spike protein to concerned is that the omicron vari- yet another reminder of the urgen-
its host, via the ACE-2 receptor. ant has 10 mutations in the recep- cy to vaccinate to stop the further
spread and evolution of SARS-CoV-2.
The delta variant has also ac-
Source: theconversation.com

NGO Africa Watch 2 21

North Africa

IOM’s World Migration Report Shows Global
Displacement Rising Despite COVID-19
Mobility Limits

...although when global population growth is factored in, the proportion of in-
ternational migrants has only inched up from 2.3 per cent to 3.6 per cent of the
world...

Geneva -- The International Or- edition of the World Migration Re- way. The 2020 edition won gold in
ganization for Migration (IOM) to- port,” said the IOM report editor the 2021 International Annual Re-
day launched its flagship World Mi- Marie McAuliffe. port Design Awards earlier this year.
gration Report 2022 which reveals
a dramatic increase in internal dis- “So much has happened in migra- The online educators’ toolkit has
placement due to disasters, conflict tion and mobility over these last two been developed to support teach-
and violence at a time when glob- years and in this report we bring to- ers around the world as they seek
al mobility ground to a halt due to gether key data, research and anal- to provide balanced, accurate and
COVID-19 travel restrictions. ysis to show how long-term trends interesting learning materials on
have been altered by COVID-19 and the fundamentals of migration and
“We are witnessing a paradox not how migrants worldwide have been migrants for teenagers and young
seen before in human history,” said affected.” adults.
IOM’s Director General António Vi-
torino. “While billions of people According to the report, the The World Migration Report has
have been effectively grounded by number of international migrants become a key source for fact-check-
COVID-19, tens of millions of others has grown from 84 million glob- ers, helping to refute false news on
have been displaced within their ally in 1970 to 281 million in 2020, migration in a wide variety of plac-
own countries.” although when global population es. The 2022 edition now has a new
growth is factored in, the propor- and simple fact-checkers’ toolkit to
The number of air passengers tion of international migrants has help bust key myths on migration.
globally dropped 60 per cent in only inched up from 2.3 per cent to
2020 to 1.8 billion (down from 4.5 3.6 per cent of the world’s popula- In addition to data analysis, the re-
billion in 2019) while at the same tion. Most people globally (96.4 per port covers specific topics for those
time internal displacement due to cent) reside in the country in which readers needing more in-depth con-
disaster, conflict and violence rose they were born. The number of in- tent. Topics covered include migra-
to 40.5 million (up from 31.5 million ternational migrants for 2020 was tion and slow-onset climate change;
in 2019). lower, by around 2 million, than it peace and development links to mi-
otherwise would have been due to gration; human trafficking in migra-
The report, the eleventh in IOM’s COVID-19. tion pathways; COVID-19 impacts;
World Migration Report series, disinformation about migration;
draws upon the latest data from The World Migration Report now migrants’ contributions in an era
around the world to explain key mi- has an expanded array of report of disinformation; and artificial in-
gration trends as well as issues that materials for a digital age. The on- telligence and migration, which are
are emerging on the migration pol- line interactive platform allows us- timely and highly relevant for both
icy horizon. ers to explore and interact with key specialist and general audiences.
data in a highly visual and engaging
“This report is unlike any other

NGO Africa Watch 2 22

Interview

Why the Communique of the residents

associations is important?

Providing for the diaspora vote will be a display of democratic advancement in Zimbabwe and
it has the potential to address the political stalemate that we have been obtaining in Zimba-
bwe since 2008.

LM: Operationalization of section 129 of

the Zimbabwean Constitution which pro- CM: Can you shed more light on the di-

vides for recall of elected officials. Res- aspora vote and why it is critical in the

idents’ position is that the Electoral Act upcoming 2023 elections?

should then provide for procedures and LM: This a key electoral reform issue,

regulations where the recalls should be which will ensure that every Zimbabwean

confirmed through a referendum where gets the right to vote. Although section

at least two thirds of registered voters 67 of the constitution gives voting rights

within that particular ward/constituency to every Zimbabwean, the Electoral Act

can vote for or against the proposed re- of 2008 and the Electoral Regulations

call. It is against the principles of admin- Act of 2005 restrict voting rights to Zim-

istrative justice for recalls to be vested in babweans on official government assign-

the political part alone and not the elec- ments only. Any other Zimbabwean living

torate. abroad is required to physically present

Women’s quota for Local Authorities: him- or herself at their registered polling

Residents feel that the women’s quota station to cast their vote and this is dis-

for local authorities should not be based criminatory. There is a need to align the

on appointments but women should rep- Electoral Act to the dictates of the Con-

Loreen Mupeseri (pictured) is the Ex- resent actual wards. This is the only way stitution, which is the supreme law of the
ecutive Director of Combined Harare we will ensure gender responsive public land. Providing for the diaspora vote will
Residents Association (CHRA). Clive Ma- service delivery in local authorities. Wom- be a display of democratic advancement
kumbe spoke with the service delivery en are most affected by service delivery in Zimbabwe and it has the potential to
champion explaining the need to build challenges e.g. water and they need rep- address the political stalemate that has
citizen agency in terms of advocacy on resentatives who have the power to make been obtaining in Zimbabwe since 2008.
electoral reforms as well as to mobilize decisions regarding the social services
and motivate citizens to vote. that they need. In addition, appointment CM: Though political institutions around
without representation in actual wards is the world remain male dominated. Is it

CM: Can you explain, what a coalition of not empowerment of women but token- even thinkable or achievable to realize a
the residents’ associations’ is? ism. The women’s quota should not be 50-50 representation of women and men
LM: The Residents Associations Coalition regarded as a handout to women but as in Zimbabwe’s political spheres?
a deliberate step to reclaim the right of LM: It is achievable as long as there is po-
for Electoral Reform is a collective of 25 women to be part of the decision makers
in local governance. litical will. However, more interventions
residents associations drawn from the Delimitation: there is need for transparen-
cy and accountability in the delimitation need to be done by both Government
different provinces of Zimbabwe, whose process and it should also be inclusive so
and CSOs in terms of creating a conducive
objective is to advocate for free and fair
environment for women’s participation in
elections in Zimbabwe.
political institutions and this can be done

CM: What inspired you to form a coali- that citizens and CSO actors can add their through policy and institutional reforms.
tion of residents associations? voice. There have been cases where rural
LM: The Coalition was brought to life by constituencies have unreasonably been CM: Since Zimbabwe is a youthful coun-
the need to coordinate residents associa- added to urban ones towards elections try with approximately 67.7% of its 13
tions’ efforts in the advocacy for electoral and citizens perceive this as an attempt to million total population under the age
reforms as well as to ensure that we build distort the voting population. of 35. What strategies have you in place
national consensus on the key electoral to make them vote this upcoming 2023
reform advocacy issues that we are push- CM: Though you have created a coalition elections?
ing for. The other underlying factor is the of residents associations is it enough to LM: Women and youths are our target
need to build the individual and collective push for electoral reforms change in Zim- social groups in our voter mobilization
agency of residents associations in voter babwe? and civic empowerment programme as
mobilization and advocacy for free and LM: We would not say it is enough be- residents associations. Our key strategies
fair elections. We realized that if we work cause issues of policy advocacy require all include use of communication and infor-
as a collective, we will be able to build and sections of the society to come together mation dissemination platforms that ap-
strengthen the capacity of other smaller and push for change. However, it is the peal to youths (e.g. social media, radio),
and upcoming residents associations to right step in the right direction and we will strategic collaborations with youth organ-
effectively mobilize residents to partici- be able to influence changes within our izations, identifying key service delivery
pate in electoral processes within their constituencies. Furthermore, being cogni- issues affecting women and youth and
own constituencies. zant of the need for coordinated and uni- them developing messaging that connects
fied advocacy, the Residents Associations such issues to the importance of voting;

CM: Which electoral reforms do you Coalition also seeks to collaborate with targeting youth and women influencers as
think, need to be addressed before we other coalitions e.g. women’s rights sec- message carriers as well as targeting first
go for the 2023 elections and why? tor, Youths, People with Disabilities etc. time voters with voter education.

NGO Africa Watch 2 23