People raised concerns over the politicization of food aid in the area with both ZANU PF and MDC supporters accusing each other of being the main beneficiaries of distribution.
The same was said about the Green Loan offered by the government as the participants highlighted that it was being carried out on party grounds.
On a different note, community members raised concerns about the declining pass rate at Nkazhe Secondary School.
It was resolved that Councilor, Stanley Nkala and traditional leaders shall meet with the School head so as to identify the problems leading to a declining pass rate.
Other speakers at the meeting included the suspended Mayor of Gwanda Lionel De Necker, the Executive Director of Bulawayo Agenda Thabani Nyoni and JOMIC representatives. There were also peace messages given by representatives of political parties and civil society activists.
What they said…
“The education curriculum should play a part in the development of peace” – Hon Seiso Moyo.
“Peace entails celebrating diversity of individuals” – Lionel De Necker (Suspended Gwanda Mayor)
“Peace is when the rights of disadvantaged groups are upheld” – Milos Madonko Dube (Disabled)
“Police were notified in time about the march but they thought the peace march was less important than the road-blocks” – Thabani Nyoni (Bulawayo Agenda Director)
Sentiments from the communities were that the constitution making process has taken too long and that the draft should be widely publicized and translated into their languages. They also reiterated calls for the completion of the constitution making process before the holding of elections and called for clarity on the method of voting in the referendum.