Masvingo traditional leaders force villagers to fund Zanu PF conference

Heal Zimbabwe Trust has said that traditional leaders in Masvingo are  forcing their subjects to donate 50 cents per household towards the Zanu PF conference set for December.

The human rights organisation said that households failing to raise the 50 cents are being threatened with blocking their access to food aid, which has been sustaining families in the drought and hunger-stricken province. Heal Zimbabwe also condemned the practice and said that it violates section 67 of the Constitution which states that every Zimbabwean citizen has the right to form, join and to participate in the activities of a political party of their choice.

Zanu PF will hold its annual December conference in Masvingo on dates to be advised at a proposed budget of $4 million. Traditionally, about $100 000 must be raised by party structures in the host province.